City of Tracy Crime Reduction Program

The majority of crimes (violent and property) are committed by individuals who are from outside the City of Tracy. One key to solving property crime or violent crime is to capture the suspect vehicle license plate. Five years ago, Tracy PD embarked on the development and implementation of a License Plate Reader (LPR) project to enhance investigative abilities and increase collaboration with other law enforcement entities through data sharing. The project culminated with the addition of five mobile LPR units attached to patrol vehicles. Used as a “proof of concept,” the intelligence provided by these LPR units provided significant leads in cases, ultimately resulting in an increase in our investigative abilities.

The City of Tracy is committed to working with the community toward keeping the city safe through the use of technology. The placement of additional License Plate Readers at all main entry/exit points of the city, major commercial areas, and “hot” intersections that have high traffic volume will assist with reducing crime and expedite the apprehension of criminals. 

A License Plate Reader program encourages a public/private partnership between the City of Tracy Police Department and the community (homeowner associations and commercial businesses).  The LPR cameras are installed for the benefit of all involved partners (HOA, businesses, and City of Tracy Police Department). One goal of this partnership is to protect businesses and shoppers using technology.  In addition, the technology benefits several other City departments in addition to typical Police applications, such as Public Works and Engineering, through vehicle and pedestrian counters, live and recorded traffic cameras, detection of large trucks, and air and sound quality sensors.

The project would support crime reduction and crime solving strategies the City of Tracy continues to grow. Although the project primarily benefits the City of Tracy, the project will also benefit many surrounding areas and their Law Enforcement agencies as criminals, often times, travel between jurisdictions and information obtained from our program can be shared with other agencies. This project supports the City of Tracy's Councils strategic priorities in the areas of public safety, governance, and quality of life.