Police Using Automated License Plate Recognition

A front page article in the Asbury Park Press titled Cameras make license plate checks a snap reveals that police in Lakewood, NJ are training in the use of a system known as Automated License Plate Recognition. The township received a $30,000 grant related to the program which provides instant information about vehicle status and about the owners of vehicles. The system entails the use of a "reader car" equipped with six cameras mounted on the car roof and able to read plate numbers. Vehicle information is then displayed on a computer screen within the vehicle. Warning beeps are sounded when information reveals possible violations and a police officer can stop the related car based on this. Since the start of the system usage in July two stolen parked vehicles were identified as a result.