What Can Police See When They Run Plates?
Running plates is a standard procedure for law enforcement to gather information about a vehicle, and it can reveal a surprising amount of detail about the vehicle, its occupants, and the surrounding context. In this article, we’ll delve into what police can see when they run plates and explore the technology and data involved in plate readers.
What Data is Collected?
When a police officer decides to run a plate, they use a handheld or vehicle-mounted plate reader, known as an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR), to capture a high-resolution image of the plate and surrounding area. This process is often aided by visible or infrared light to capture clear images, even at night or in adverse weather conditions.
The captured image is then analyzed to extract information, including:
• License Plate Number: This is the most obvious piece of information gathered from plate readers. ALPR software uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan and translate the plate characters, enabling accurate identification.
• Vehicle Make, Model, and Year: The technology can also extract the type of vehicle, including its make, model, and year, to provide contextual information.
• Driver and Passenger Information: Police can use this data to identify the vehicle’s registered owner, insurance information, and even determine the gender and age range of occupants.
Associated Data from Public Records
Law enforcement agencies can combine plate-reader data with publicly available information to create a more detailed picture of a vehicle or its occupants. This public records data can include:
• Warrants, Traffic Violations, or Other Offenses: An officer can run the vehicle’s plate and quickly view any outstanding warrants, fines, or violations associated with the vehicle.
• Registered Owner Information: A check of the vehicle’s registered owner will provide detailed information, such as driver’s license information, aliases, and other relevant history.
• Vehicle-Specific Data: ALPR technology can connect a specific vehicle to related crimes or incidents, including previous infractions, thefts, or accidents.
License Plate Reader Types and Deployments
ALPR devices are designed for different operational environments and deployment scenarios, including:
| Platform | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld ALPRs | Lightweight, portable units used in patrol cars, airports, or pedestrian checkpoints. | Tactical operations, surveillance, and high-volume screening |
| Vehicle-mounted ALPRs | Mounted on cars, trucks, or motorcycle patrols, ideal for area sweeps or high-volume screening | Mobile patrols, road blocks, and stationary checkpoints |
| Fixed ALPRs | Stationary devices located at fixed sites, like toll booths or highway patrols. | Stationary sites, traffic enforcement, or targeted surveillance |
| Dashboard-mounted ALPRs | Installed in vehicles for dashboard mounting, useful for dedicated plate readers in high-stress environments | Police vehicle deployment, targeted surveillance |
Limitations and Drawbacks
While plate readers offer valuable tools for law enforcement, they also face some limitations and potential drawbacks:
• Error Rate: False positives, incorrect readouts, or poor visibility can lead to errors and unnecessary investigations.
• Privacy Concerns: Overuse or abuse of ALPR technology may infringe upon individual privacy and due process.
• Information Overload: The sheer volume of data collected can make it challenging to sift through and prioritize investigations.
• Technical Malfunctions: ALPR device failures can occur due to environmental conditions, software issues, or maintenance neglect.
Jurisdictional Laws and Transparency
As with any tool, the effective use and deployment of plate readers vary depending on the jurisdiction’s laws, policies, and procedures. To maintain trust and transparency, agencies often adhere to specific guidelines regarding:
• Data Storage and Retention: Storage and retention times for captured images and extracted data differ across jurisdictions, ranging from hours to months.
• Access Control: Authentication protocols and permission levels help ensure authorized access to stored data.
• Policy Development: Establishing written policies and protocols govern ALPR use, training, and data retention.
• Public Education and Feedback: Providing information on plate reader deployments, their purpose, and any issues helps ensure public trust and confidence.
In conclusion, what police see when they run plates involves a combination of image data and associated information from public records. Understanding the benefits, limitations, and intricacies of plate readers empowers law enforcement to more effectively utilize this technology. Transparency, careful policy implementation, and data handling processes are crucial in maintaining trust between the public and agencies that use these valuable investigative tools.
