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New Technology
Can Help Enforce Protection Orders |
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Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) is most commonly used
in recovering stolen autos and tracking down outstanding
warrants. But law enforcement can also use the emerging
technology in enforcing protection orders for victims of
domestic violence and stalking.
ALPR uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to scan
and “read” license plates. When aimed at a vehicle, infrared
light illuminates a license plate, allowing the system to work
in the dark as well as in daylight. A high-speed camera takes a
photograph of the illuminated license plate. In a matter of
seconds OCR software converts the images into digital letters
and numbers.
ALPR is available in fixed, mobile or covert units. The covert
unit is the type which can be useful in enforcing protection
orders. The covert unit is hidden in a traffic barrel or other
obscure object near the victim’s home and the license plate
number of the stalker is programmed into the system. When a car
with that license plate number passes the point where the ALPR
equipment is located, an alarm is triggered and law enforcement
is immediately notified.
ALPR technology starts at around $25,000 but it varies depending
on the system and the vendor. For more information visit
www.oletc.org. |
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