Introducing: MSPD's Automated License Plate Recognition System

The City of Miami Springs Police Department uses automated license plate recognition systems. One is stationary on the incoming bridge where Canal Street meets Curtiss Parkway.  A mobile A.L.P.R. has already been in operation since 2016. 

These devices give law enforcement agencies information on the various vehicles that the cameras pick up, for the purpose to help recover stolen cars and stolen plates, and also to capture wanted and recover missing persons. 

The operation of A.L.P.R. is to photograph license plates from the front or rear of the vehicle in public spaces and in plain view, a constitutionally protected activity. 

The only information that is recorded is the date, time, and location of where the photograph was taken. Furthermore, the equipment automatically runs the tag to identify who the vehicle is registered to and recognizes if that person is a wanted felon or criminal and has an arrest warrant.

According to Vigilant Solutions, here are some facts on A.L.P.R.:

Real time A.L.P.R. gives law enforcement immediate alerts to help find known wanted persons or vehicles on existing hot lists 
Usage of A.L.P.R. has strict access codes and usage monitoring
Federal state and local law-enforcement use real time A.L.P.R. data every day to investigate a wide range of crimes
A.L.P.R. helps solve crimes faster
Over 70% of all crimes involve a vehicle 
Over 87% of Law Enforcement reported that A.L.P.R. helps solve major crimes