Do Winnipeg’s Police Cars Have Automatic License Plate Readers That Trigger Alarms?

Do Winnipeg’s Police Cars Have Automatic License Plate Readers That Trigger Alarms?
Unfortunately, most Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) vehicles are equipped with automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) that are designed to scan license plates and trigger an alarm if there is cause for concern. These systems primarily work if your Manitoba license plates have been flagged for something serious, such as a ticket, suspension, illegal activity, or theft.

ALPRs in Action

When I retired in mid-2017, several of the cars at our station had these ALPR features. They would alert the deputy if any scans produced a "hit" - a term used for vehicles reported stolen, used in a crime, or associated with a high-dollar warrant. The rest of the scans were logged for later reference.

One notable case involved a stolen vehicle in our jurisdiction. When the suspect exited their vehicle, it was captured by a store's video surveillance system. By checking the registered owner's address, we found that the stolen vehicle and the suspect's car weren't there. However, when we reviewed the data gathered by the ALPRs, we discovered that the suspect's vehicle had been recorded multiple times in front of a specific house in a neighboring jurisdiction. The locations were even plotted on Google Maps, showing the exact address and the vehicle. This information was crucial in locating the stolen car, which turned out to be parked at the suspect's girlfriend's house.

Expanding Uses of ALPR

It's important to note that not all LPR systems in Winnipeg are strictly used by police departments. Some companies, such as Vigilant Systems, provide these ALPRs to tow truck drivers and repo men. The data from these systems is recorded and logged into a searchable database. This tool is incredibly useful for locating and tracking vehicles in various scenarios, particularly in cases involving kidnapped children and tracking wanted persons. Additionally, ALPRs are used by private companies for repossession operations.

ANPR Systems in the UK

While the specifics of LPR systems in Winnipeg may differ from those in the UK, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are widely used in the UK. These systems can be fitted in static locations or in marked patrol vehicles. ANPR systems not only alert officers when a vehicle of interest passes a camera but also check for insurance validity, MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, and Vehicle Excise Licence compliance.

The versatility and widespread adoption of ALPR systems highlight the growing importance of technology in law enforcement and vehicle management. These tools can significantly enhance public safety and enable more efficient responses to crimes and other incidents.