Clearlake Police to Expand License Plate Reader Program

Clearlake Police will expand a hi-tech program that allows them to identify vehicles involved in crimes. The City Council granted Police Chief Andrew White’s request for additional funding for automated license plate readers, which capture computer-readable images of license plates. These devices allow law enforcement agencies to compare plate numbers against those of stolen cars or cars driven by people suspected of criminal activity. White says with the city’s current 14 cameras, 20 stolen vehicles were recovered, a kidnapping suspect was arrested, and police were able to get a lead in a drug-related shooting.