Project to Install License Plate Readers Along Noland Road Nearing Completion

Community Partnership with the Noland Road CID Facilitates Effort to Enhance

Public Safety and Security

Independence, MO – Businesses, residents, and visitors traveling along the Noland Road corridor now have an extra layer of public safety and security thanks to a partnership between the Independence Police Foundation, the Independence Police Department (IPD), and the Noland Road Community Improvement District (CID). Through this partnership, established in 2021, a project to install license plate reader (LPR) technology along Noland Road is nearing completion. To date, 32 LPRs have been installed, with an additional seven pending installations. This includes multiple surveillance cameras installed on public roadways and intersections for live situational awareness and follow-up investigative use.

LPR technology is rapidly becoming a vital tool for law enforcement across the nation in deterring crime, solving cases, and locating missing persons. The Independence Police Foundation and the Noland Road CID met with the Independence Police Department in early 2021 to discuss the need and identify locations where LPR technology would be most beneficial. Upon approval the Noland Road CID board elected to provide the Foundation with the $239,000 needed to fund LPR installations from the intersections of Truman Road and Noland Road to 40 Highway and Noland Road. This contribution came from funds the CID had earmarked for security and improvement funds along the Noland Road corridor. The Independence Police Foundation coordinated the purchase and installation of the LPRs, in collaboration with the Independence Police Department.

“The implementation of this initiative has been the product of years of hard work and dedication of many individuals. The cameras will provide a valuable monitoring and surveillance tool for all aspects of public safety in our community. Combined with the data from the License Plate Readers, our department will be better equipped to develop valuable intelligence needed to solve crime throughout our community,” states IPD Interim Chief of Police, Adam Dustman. Interim Chief, Dustman goes on to say, “This project is an outstanding example of the benefit of public/private partnerships, and the direct impact they can have on public safety in a community. Additionally, multiple law enforcement agencies across the Kansas City Metropolitan area utilize this same technology. Through collaboration and commonality of this valuable resource, the ability to impact public safety across the region is exciting.”

This LPR project is just one example of the many initiatives being led by the Independence Police Foundation in their mission to build a safe city and strong community through their support of the IPD and IPD officers. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established by Independence community stakeholders in 2020. The Foundation is a separate entity from IPD, but works closely with the Independence Police Department in providing the best possible service to the community. “Public tax dollars support basic personnel and equipment, but funds are limited for expensive cutting-edge equipment and technology. The Foundation helps ensure IPD officers have the best tools available to protect our families, homes and businesses in Independence,” says Gary George, Executive Director of the Independence Police Foundation. “In addition to raising funds for equipment and training, we provide support for IPD officers, staff, and their families in crisis situations. When officers experience life-altering events or catastrophic situations, the Foundation is here to assist the family. Support from donors through the Foundation gives officers additional peace of mind, allowing them to give their best every day despite the inherent risks that come with policing. Simply put, we are here to serve those who serve us.”

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The Independence Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on private funding to support our mission to build a safe city and strong community in Independence, Missouri. Independence Police Foundation funds are expressly prohibited from being used to replace City of Independence dollars that are allocated for fundamental policing expenses including employee salaries and benefits.

Visit IPDFoundation.org for more information.