Automated License Plate Recognition System

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Lake Elsinore, through its police department, will use its Fiscal Year 2010 JAG award to purchase a Mobile Law Enforcement Automated License Plate Recognition System (ALPR). The city of Lake Elsinore has experienced a relatively steady increase in the number of motor vehicle thefts over the past several years. From January 2008, through May 2010, the average number of reported vehicle thefts per month was 18. The ALPR systems are recent additions to the law enforcement tool box. This technology will increase the Police Department's ability to identify vehicles of interest to law enforcement. By tackling the very heart of the criminal's ability to travel, a whole range of crimes can be prevented or solved. Additionally, ALPR technology should enable officers to recover more stolen vehicles for return to their rightful owners.

NCA/NCF