GCPD Purchases Automatic License Plate Readers

Catching criminals may soon be a little bit easier as the  begins using new technology to identify vehicles of interest.

The Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) is a camera device that is mounted on patrol cars. The device can read up to 1,800 car license plates per minute, day or night. The ALPR is capable of recognizing plates from all 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico.

GCPD has purchased three of the devices and will begin using them this week, according to a press release.

The agency patrols the unincorporated areas of Suwanee.

“The ALPR captures the images of license plates and instantaneously compares them with millions of Hot List records to identify vehicles of interest,” the release stated. “The data recorded for each includes date and time stamp, photo of the vehicle and its immediate area, and GPS coordinates. This data can help lead to witness identification, Watch List development, placing a suspect at a scene, Terrorist Interdiction and Pattern recognition.”

The device can process stationary vehicles and up to four lanes of moving vehicles. The ALPR will work at patrol and highway speeds.

The three ALPR units were purchased using cash forfeiture funds related to drug sales. Each unit cost approximately $20,000.