Crest Cops to Print Parking Tickets Quicker

WILDWOOD CREST ─ “Taxes have not gone up because of (county) dispatch,” Commissioner David Thompson said May 1. Addressing public concerns, Thompson clarified the need for a digital surveillance system in the police station. 
E-Tickets
As the borough transitions to Cape May County Dispatch Services, the E-Ticketing system requires updating. According to Police Chief Joseph McGrath, electronic ticketing allows an officer to print a parking ticket and place it on a vehicle’s windshield.
In order to continue with the streamlined service, the borough signed an agreement with CSI Technology Group May 1. McGrath said CSI Technology provides a system “compatible” with the county. 
Surveillance System
The present surveillance system in the police station is analog and, according to McGrath, is at “end of life.” Regardless of switching to County Dispatch, an upgrade would be necessary.
McGrath said an officer may not always be present in the lobby; the new system would allow county officials to see inside the building 24/7.
McGrath told the Herald May 3 that he could not give further details for security reasons.
During the May 1 commissioners’ meeting, one resident asked if the upgrade contributed to the tax increase and was “part of the plan” before transferring to county services.
McGrath replied that the upgrade was not “in the plan before the dispatch move,” but is necessary due to the analog system’s age.
Thompson said the borough would see savings by the second and third year. Taxes would have gone up regardless of security upgrades, added Thompson.
How much will the new surveillance system cost?
According to the resolution, the amount under state contract is $114,857, yet the borough would have no “out of pocket or upfront expense” for the E-Ticketing services, as stated in the resolution.
“The cost of the system is paid at $3 per ticket until the hardware has been paid for and then the ticket charge drops to $1.50 per ticket for licensing and maintenance of the E-Ticketing solution,” reads the resolution.
CSI Technology, located in Keasbey, “will provide the hardware and software … needed for the E-Ticketing solution to operate.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.