State Holds Up Elmhurst Anti-Crime Cameras: Officials

Elmhurst IL

02 November, 2021

9:24 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — The state is holding up the expansion of Elmhurst's license plate reader camera program, city officials say. The license plate readers notify the police department of license plates of cars that are either stolen or suspected to be involved in crimes. At Monday's City Council meeting, the city's police chief was asked whether the city had cameras at all the intersections where they were needed. Police Chief Michael Ruth said the city did not. He said the state Department of Transportation has yet to allow the police department to post cameras on state Route 83. To install the cameras, he said, the city would need to attach them to poles or other highway infrastructure. "We have been working with IDOT in the hopes that they will loosen up their policy," Ruth said. "We would like to get some cooperation from IDOT to put some cameras up." City Manager Jim Grabowski said the city has money budgeted for the cameras, thanks to the council. He said he recently sat next to Brendan Kelly, director of the Illinois State Police, at an Illinois Municipal League conference and spoke to him about the cameras. "I told him what we are trying to do and how it would be beneficial to both agencies," Grabowski said. "ISP is starting to put cameras on all the expressways as well. Chief Ruth has made contact with Mr. Kelly, the director, to help us with IDOT." Mayor Scott Levin said the city has spoken with other mayors and managers about the issue. "I would say we are out front on this," the mayor said. "Some of them are running into the same problem with state highways." Ruth said the police have had "great success" with the cameras. "We are chasing criminals out of town in the overnight hours and sometimes during the day. They are hitting other communities," he said. Patch left a message for comment with the transportation department's communications office.