Forget Starsky and Hutch, Secaucus is going full RoboCop. The town’s police department is rolling out a high-tech arsenal that’s making the streets safer and crooks sweat, according to the force’s 2024 Annual Report, obtained by the Secaucus Scoop. From license plate readers that snag stolen cars in seconds to drones patrolling the skies, Secaucus PD is embracing the future of law enforcement – and it’s paying off.
The biggest game-changer? A network of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that’s like having a digital dragnet across town. Since June, these cameras – now numbering 28 at 13 key locations – have been snapping photos of every license plate that enters or leaves Secaucus. That’s a staggering 350,000 plates a day, 2.5 million a week.
And it’s not just for show. The ALPR system has already directly led to 11 arrests, flagging stolen cars and suspicious vehicles in real-time. In one case, the system helped cops track down a robber targeting prostitutes in local hotels, nabbing him thanks to the digital breadcrumbs left by his car. Another hit on a “felony vehicle” from NYC led to its seizure, tying it to a commercial burglary. Police say the system is tracking criminal all over the state.
Chief Dennis Miller is singing the system’s praises, saying it’s not just catching crooks but also helping prosecute them, with crime clearance rates on the rise.
But Secaucus PD isn’t just watching the roads; they’re taking to the skies, too. The department’s new drone program, headed by “Chief Pilot” Officer Michael Bronowich, is giving cops a bird’s-eye view of everything from search and rescue operations to hostage situations. Imagine a drone hovering over a hazardous material spill on Rt 3, keeping officers safely away while relaying critical information – that’s the reality in Secaucus now.
And if you’re thinking this is all a bit Big Brother, the department is quick to point to its body-worn camera program. Every single officer, from the top brass to the rookie on the beat, is equipped with a camera, recording interactions with the public. It’s about transparency, says Chief Miller, and proving that his officers are acting professionally. The price tag for this tech? A cool $183,420, and it costs around $100,000 a year to store all the footage.
To handle mental health crises, the department has acquired 40mm “less lethal” launchers.
Also, officers are also getting an upgrade to their sidearms, with new “red dot” optics for improved accuracy.
This tech-heavy approach isn’t just about catching bad guys; it’s about making Secaucus a safer place to live. It’s about quicker response times, more efficient investigations, and giving officers the tools they need to handle any situation.
Of course, with new technology comes new questions. How is all this data being used? What about privacy concerns? The Secaucus Scoop will be digging deeper into these issues, holding the department accountable and keeping residents informed. But one thing’s for sure: Secaucus PD is betting big on technology, and so far, it seems to be winning.