Port Hope Police have launched their Automatic Licence Plate Recognition System program (ALPR). The technology involves cameras and software which is installed in a police vehicle and used to automatically scan the licence plates of vehicles in the vicinity of the police vehicle. The system can operate whether the police vehicle is moving or parked. The system receives daily updates from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).These updates contain information on stolen vehicles, vehicles belonging to wanted or missing persons, as well as those with expired plates, drivers whose licences are suspended and more. This is a great tool for law enforcement and will enhance public road safety in the community. The system can scan up to 500 and plates an hour and alert the officer to further investigate the vehicle and driver when there is a “hit” received. Any plates that are scanned and do not result in a “hit” are deleted from the system. Port Hope Officers have received training on this system last week. Most police agencies have this technology already running in their jurisdictions.
The vehicle will be operated throughout the town on a daily basis.