As a result of partnering with the DEA, the City of Lighthouse Point has received $2.6 million from Federal Forfiture funds- money from a money laundering case- according to the Sept 24 city commission meeting minutes. The money can only be used for specific police department purposes.
Purchases planned or completed:
Ticketing software for patrol cars, radar guns, handguns and accessories; a system to download businesses’ surveillance videos after robberies, overtime for training and ongoing investigations. A digital fingerprinting machine; traffic counter; camcorders; a golf cart for covert patrols; ballistic helmets, and treadmills.
RELATED NOTES: The following comment was made at a special meeting held regarding the closure of NE 34 CT. The subject was brought up and it was said there would be further discussion at a later date. The city may also buy an 18-camera license plate recognition system that is hooked up to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement database. “On a real-time basis, every license plate that comes into or exits the city will be captured and checked to see if it’s wanted, stolen or suspicious,” Lighthouse Point Mayor Fred Schorr said.
UPDATE: It has since been reported in local media that the license plate recognition equipment purchase has been made.