Police were able to quickly arrest a suspect wanted for child molestation in Washington who was believed to be in Grover Beach thanks to new technology. Commander Bryan Millard of the Grover Beach Police Department credited the license plate reader system for helping to locate the suspect’s vehicle in the city. The arrest took place on 7th Street and Grand Avenue during a high-risk stop, with nearby construction workers witnessing the event.
Just one day after receiving notification from Ellensburg Police, the license plate reader cameras installed in 2023 played a crucial role in the suspect’s apprehension. Commander Millard highlighted the effectiveness of the technology, mentioning that it has already aided in solving several cases, including the recovery of stolen vehicles. Residents, like Marissa Zambo, expressed their support for the technology, recognizing its importance in catching criminals.
The Grover Beach Police Department is looking to further enhance its operations by potentially incorporating artificial intelligence and other technologies. Commander Millard mentioned plans for a real-time crime information center that would centralize various technologies for identifying trends. The city currently has 17 cameras installed in different locations, with half of them recently funded by a federal technology grant. The department is committed to leveraging technology to improve public safety and crime prevention efforts in the community.
