New License-Plate Reader Safer for Police Officers

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A new license-plate technology will not only improve on efficiency, but also enhance police officer safety. The Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system scans licence plates as vehicles pass, and compares them to Ministry of Transportation (MTO) databases to identify expired driver’s licenses and plates, as well as identify any plates associated with criminal activity or active cases.

The technology, installed in 10 Halton (in Ontario, Canada) Regional Police Service (HRPS) cruisers was tested last year, astonishing results got the Halton board to approve the installation of 10 more units. The unit is connected to three cameras in the cruiser, one on each side and one in the rear. The dual colour/infrared cameras monitor plates as they pass while the cruiser is either moving or parked on the side of the road. The officer is provided with all necessary details on the screen instantaneously, and based on their discretion can then pull the driver of the marked vehicle over and investigate further.

“This keeps officers’ eyes on the road, keeps them looking for other offences and what not instead of having to type plates in and run plates,” Const. David Allen told theifp.ca. “Looking for suspended drivers and stolen vehicles is one of the functions of a police officer, so just the fact it can operate in the background and I can go about my day doing my patrols, it’s great. It’s a huge boost in safety.”

“All the officers learn during their training that a hit is only a suspicion that something might be wrong with that plate, and that they still have to formulate their own grounds to lay a charge,” said Allen. “All it does is (serve as) an extra set of eyes for the officer.”

According to Allen, the system doesn’t change the way officers generally deal with minor offences, meaning it remains up to the officer’s discretion to issue a traffic notice for minor offences. He made it clear the object of the technology isn’t to hand out more tickets or aimed at any kind of “cash grab,” but is rather all about improved road and officer safety.

“Traffic safety is the number 1 priority for the Halton Regional Police Service. I feel that this system strongly ties into the priorities in terms of enforcement — and keeping those who are bad drivers and have suspended licences in check,” said Allen.