Gov. Martin O'Malley said the technology that allows police to scan the license plates of passing cars has worked so well, he plans to expand it.
O'Malley said Wednesday that Maryland's vehicle theft rate dropped 36 percent over the last three years with the help of Maryland's license plate recognition program.
The network is connected to state law enforcement agencies. The program will now be extended to local jurisdictions.
As police scan license plates, the tag is checked against a database of reported stolen vehicles. The system then alerts the police officer if there is match, and he or she can take action if necessary.
O'Malley said the state will provide up to $2 million in additional funding to help law enforcement buy 100 more scanning units.
