NCJ Number
214722
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 16,18-26,28,29
Date Published
May 2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
After discussing the uses and benefits of license-plate-reader (LPR) technology for police work, the features of LPRs offered by various companies are described.
Abstract
LPR technology enables the automatic, constant scanning of license plate numbers and their comparison with databases of license plate numbers of wanted vehicles. Fixed LPRs capture license plates and possibly vehicle images as they pass through a specific point, usually a high-traffic intersection. Mobile LPRs offer advantages over fixed systems, in that they scan plates automatically wherever the custodial vehicle travels, even while the driver is occupied with other tasks. Like fixed systems, mobile systems identify plates by automatically checking them against databases; most systems also allow for the manual entry of plate numbers, such as in Amber Alerts. If a scan hits a plate number in the database, an alert is generated. Typically, this consists of sending both an alarm and a visual of the plate/vehicle, which appears on the mobile data computer, dedicated screen, or laptop. Most mobile readers can read plates from any State, since they are designed to discard the graphics and focus only on the alphanumerics; however, because LPRs do not recognize State information, officers must investigate hits further to confirm accuracy. Other issues that must be addressed in using LPRs are who will be assigned to them, how to integrate the LPR system with existing systems, the analysis and use of the data obtained, and manufacturer support. This article provides specifications for LPRs marketed by nine companies.