Purchase of Law Enforcement-grade License Plate Readers (LPRs)

In efforts to proactively address the increase in crime within the Gila River Indian Community "the Community", the Gila River Police Department will utilize this allocation to purchase law enforcement-grade license plate readers (LPRs) cameras. Auto theft arrests within the Gila River Indian Community has seen a significant increase over recent years by 66.7% ,larceny from vehicles increased 14.3%, and in auto parts a 200% increase.  

This equipment and technology provides 24/7 monitoring and will assist the department with addressing property crime, violent crime, stolen vehicles, and more. License plate recognition cameras help bridge the gap by acting as a “force multiplier” for law enforcement and within a rural community, this helps exponentially. Since 7 in 10 crimes are committed with a vehicle, we can obtain objective evidence through purpose built devices. The camera system is designed with sensors to capture sight, sound, and situation, which provides objective evidence needed for police to investigate and solve crime. The technology searches by vehicle make, color, type, license plate, state of the license plate, missing plate, covered plate, paper plate, and unique vehicle details like roof racks, bumper stickers, and more.

As a rural Community, establishing infrastructure can be a barrier; however, this portable system allows the department to set up in areas prone to high crimes and be able to relocate to other target areas with ease. Infrastructure-free devices can be installed anywhere, as they are solar powered and LTE enabled.  The camera system help preventing crimes from happening in the first place because they are constantly working to capture evidence and alert law enforcement in real-time, there is less of an opportunity for crime to go unwitnessed, providing a major obstacle for suspects aiming to not get caught.  Adding an additional layer of security within the Community is needed as our department continues to experience attrition with our sworn personnel; this system allows our LEOs the additional assistance needed.