What You Should Know About ALPR Systems?

Jurisdictions such as cities and counties must use equipment to monitor traffic lights and record drivers who violate traffic laws. Automated license plate readers are effective tools for these purposes. The readers are helpful in collecting data to hold the drivers accountable. The unit connects to law enforcement agencies and the DMV to enforce the current laws and regulations of the region.

Converting Data Quickly

The ALPR, or automated license plate readers, use software applications and cameras to capture images of the vehicle and the license plate. Once the camera acquires the image, the software converts it into data. The agencies compare the information to files at the Department of Motor Vehicles to find the owner, and the agency sends a citation based on the moving violation committed. The vehicle owner receives a citation in the mail.

Stationary and Mobile

The county or city decides which automated license plate readers to install at traffic lights, and service providers install stationary or mobile license plate readers. Stationary ALPRs are permanent installations for traffic lights. Police vehicles frequently use mobile devices, and the agency could remove the systems to connect to another vehicle according to equipment availability. The readers help law enforcement identify the owner and driver.

What Do the Systems Capture?

The images include the full license plate information, the front and back of the vehicle, and an image of the driver when possible. Law enforcement agencies receive a color image of the vehicle and the license plate. The vehicle’s geographical location appears in the information, and officers use the data to find the vehicle quickly. The readers are useful when tracking down a criminal and making an arrest.

When Are the Readers Most Helpful?

Not only do the automated license plate readers help identify the vehicle and owner, but they can place the vehicle at the location of a crime. Cops use the data to investigate crimes and gather evidence. Lenders who need to repossess a vehicle may have access to the data through law enforcement agencies, and the creditors have a better chance of finding the vehicle and reclaiming the assets.

Appropriate Security Schemes and Measures

Since the readers are connected to networks, the readers must have robust security schemes, and the units must comply with all current IT standards and federal regulations. Non-compliance leads to data breaches and serious penalties. The city or county using the readers must prevent unauthorized access to the data to prevent identity theft, and user accounts are necessary to restrict access.

The systems show where the automobile is, who owns it, and an image of the individual driving the vehicle. Restricted access to the readers and data prevents unauthorized use for criminal purposes such as stalking the owner and tracking the person to harass them. Measures must be in place to prevent these crimes.

Automated license plate readers help local municipalities, law enforcement, and federal agencies, and the information holds unlawful drivers accountable for moving violations. Using the equipment improves revenue for the county, and payments for traffic citations stimulate the local economy.