Foxborough Accepts Grant to Install License Plate Scanners

Foxborough town selectmen recently accepted a grant award of $18,945 from the State to fund automated license plate reader technology.

This new equipment will be installed in some police cruisers to automatically scan license plates of cars on the road.

According to the Foxborough police department, the State funded automated license plate readers compare the plates to state and federal databases for criminal activities such as whether a driver is wanted on a warrant. The plate readers also can scan for reports of missing persons and AMBER alert.

Town selectmen noted that some residents have expressed their concern about the scanners, calling it a case of "big brother."

Town manager Kevin Paicos said, "that after a discussion with Police Chief Edward O'Leary, he believes the plate readers will greatly increase the ability of an officer to do his job efficiently."

"Police officers will go through training and safeguards to make sure they are using the technology properly," said Paicos.

The board happily accepted the grant with a unanimous vote.