Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow continued his countywide initiative to enhance community safety with high-tech Flock license plate readers with a $5,000 donation to the Monee Police Department. The contribution will allow Monee to purchase two automated license plate recognition devices that play a vital role in helping catch dangerous vehicle hijackers and other violent criminals. Glasgow presented the check to Police Chief Scott Koerner and Village Mayor Dr. Therese Bogs during the May 24 Village Board Meeting.
“Violent criminals take the path of least resistance. That’s why we are using every tool available to deter and catch these dangerous criminals here in Will County. Through this interconnected system, our local police departments can share and receive information with other connected agencies from 2,535 Flock safety cameras throughout the region, primarily from the metro Chicago area,” Glasgow said.
“These license plate readers help local police departments proactively prevent crime by sending real-time alerts when a stolen car or known wanted suspect from a national crime database enters the jurisdiction, giving law enforcement the ability to track the vehicle. Here in Will County, where there’s a ‘Will’ there’s a way. Ironically, it’s also my middle name. Drawing upon assistance from the private sector makes us twice as effective in thwarting violent crime, resulting in a safer and more profitable environment for local businesses,” Glasgow continued.
License plate recognition cameras played a vital role in the apprehension of a vicious criminal, convicted felon Jordan Henry, who hijacked a vehicle on Diversey Parkway in Chicago and was captured in Will County following a high-speed chase that ended on just off I-55 South in Shorewood. After his tires were flattened by a stop-stick, he fled on foot, was chased by Illinois State Police K9 Hades, and ultimately arrested. Henry was incarcerated and prosecuted in Will County, where he received a 22-year prison sentence.
“Protecting our community means not only reacting to violent criminal activity, but also doing everything in our power to deter potentially dangerous criminals from engaging in violent conduct in our community. These cameras will help us deter criminals as well as apprehend them. Reducing the incidence and fear of crime in the Village of Monee improves the quality of life for all our residents,” Koerner said. “Our relationship with States Attorney Glasgow has not only enhanced our license plate reader initiative, but also kickstarted our K9 program and allowed us to provide our community with a proactive and professional law enforcement presence.”
Glasgow provides contributions for the cameras entirely with money seized from criminals, without any taxpayer dollars used. In addition to the Monee contribution, he has donated the costs of Flock cameras for the municipalities of Braidwood, Bolingbrook, Channahon, Shorewood, Lewis University, Beecher, Elwood, Homer Glen, Manhattan, Mokena, Wilmington, and Steger, as well as Lewis University.