Automated license plate cameras set to be installed at 7 Alamo intersections this fall

ALAMO – The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office plans to install automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras at seven Alamo intersections by mid-September 2017.

Beginning this month, contractors will begin installing ALPR cameras around Alamo, allowing Sheriff’s Deputies to be alerted when suspects driving wanted or stolen vehicles enter the area. The cameras will read the license plates of vehicles traveling through specific intersections and check them against a law enforcement database.

A similar system installed throughout Danville has seen tremendous success since its installation and has allowed officers to nab countless criminals who entered town driving suspect vehicles.

Lieutenant Jason Haynes, who commands the Sheriff’s Office Valley Substation in Alamo Plaza, said approval for the project took plenty of time and coordination.

“I’m actually quite excited the project has finally been approved,” Haynes said. “This project has been nearly two years in the making and has been overwhelmingly supported by those in the community.”

The hardware and software costs, totaling $225,500, was paid for by local donations ($95,000) along with specific property tax funds from Alamo’s P2-B ($50,000) and P-6 ($80,500) zones.

Haynes explained his efforts to gather community feedback, “I’ve presented information at every opportunity to help educate and garner public support and offer public comment and feedback to the local community leaders to include presentations at MAC (Municipal Advisory Council), APSAC (Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee), Diablo, Roundhill district meetings as well as multiple HOA’s and businesses in the area.”

The system was purchased from Sacramento-based LEHR, which specializes in emergency vehicle equipment. Haynes said the new cameras will be installed on traffic signal poles owned and maintained by the County.