Automatic license platereader cameras (ALPR) are game-changers when it comes to law enforcement and surveillance.
In the past, cops would
have to rely on witnesses or themselves to write down the correct numbers on a
suspect's vehicle. With human memory as spotty as it is, the results were often
a mixed bag. Today's technology features not only ALPR but also online search
tools that allow anyone to vin search the owner at AutoDetective of the car.
Do you want to find out
who's dumping garbage in your yard? There's software for that.
The Origins of ALPR
Britain's Police
Scientific Development Branch started developing ALPR technology in 1976.
Prototypes were working by 1979, and trial systems were set up on Dartford
tunnel and the A1 road. Although the first arrest through detection happened in
1981, ALPR technology failed to gain traction until the '90s.
The reason was due to
expensive cameras and the absence of reliable camera software. In short, limits
of 1980's technology stunted the growth of capturing the license plate information of a moving car.
Automatic License Plate Readers Today
Today's ALPRs are
high-speed camera systems controlled by a computer. The most common mounting
locations for ALPRs are:
· Streetlights.
· Telecommunications poles.
· Highway overpasses.
· Mobile trailers.
· Police cruisers.
When traffic cams are
present, chances are that one or more run on ALPR software. ALPRs can capture
all license plate numbers the camera can view, together with the date, time,
and location. The data may include pictures of the vehicle, driver, and
passengers, which are then uploaded to a central server.
ALPR providers say that
the police can use the stored information to detect criminal activity or solve
a crime. Law enforcement agencies can also choose to share their knowledge with
other agencies, such as additional police jurisdictions or even Interpol.
How do ALPRs Work?
Automated License Plate
Readers have two categories: stationary and mobile.
Stationary ALPR cameras
These cameras are on
fixed locations such as telephone poles, traffic lights, freeway exits, or on
entrance gates. Stationary ALPR cameras only capture vehicles in motion that
pass within view. Several cameras installed along a single thoroughfare can
provide the direction and speed a car is traveling.
Over time, the stored
data can reveal how many times a particular license plate passes a given
location. Agencies use stationary ALPR cameras in conjunction with
speed/traffic light enforcement systems and toll assessment. Sometimes,
authorities move fixed ALPR cameras and install them on surveillance vans
parked at gun shows or political rallies.
Mobile ALPR cameras
These camera systems are
often found on police patrol cars, allowing officers to capture data as they drive around
the city. Mobile ALPRs are also effective at capturing license plates of parked
cars. A patrol car equipped with an ALPR camera can capture hundreds of license
plate numbers from vehicles in a public parking lot in minutes.
Automated License Plate Readers help not only law enforcement agencies, but also private
entities. Small town police can better enforce the rules and cover a wider
area. Private firms and even neighborhood associations can monitor properties
and create "virtual gates."
However, ALPR technology
isn't regulated, and many people fear that without proper oversight, abuse will
happen.
Privacy Concerns Regarding ALPR
Since ALPR systems are
available to the general public, many people are raising concerns about
privacy. At least there is plenty of oversight when it comes to ALPR and law
enforcement. Civilians with access to this technology is a different matter.
Spouses can spy on one another. An ex can stalk a former lover, and so on.
However, law enforcement
isn't entirely off the hook. Aggregated ALPR data can reveal intimate details
about a driver's life. This information can even include activities protected
by the First Amendment. Agencies can use ALPR technology to target drivers who
frequent religious centers or protests, for example.
When you look at it from
an average person's view, ALPR is a lot like mass surveillance. It's pretty
disturbing to know that authorities use automatic license plate readers to
track millions of people. The clincher here is the fact that the overwhelming
majority of tracked individuals are innocent.
What are your thoughts
on ALPR? Do you think it's good or bad? Join the discussion!
My bio: Ben is a Digital Overlord at InfoTracer who takes a wide view from whole
system. He authors guides on entire security posture, both physical and cyber.
Enjoys sharing the best practices and does it the right way!