LPD introduces license plate readers as main tool for officers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Lincoln Police Department announced it will be using a new tool to identify vehicles of interest to police.

Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow announced Friday that after seven months of testing, ALPRs (Automatic License Plate Readers) are now operational. The readers, part of new dash cameras installed in 20 cruisers, use software to read license plates while on patrol.

The software identifies license plate numbers and references them with LPD’s database. If the software detects a license plate implicated in a possible crime, it alerts the officer in the vehicle.

During the seven-month trial, officers used it in a murder investigation, recovering 30 stolen vehicles and returning $180,000 in stolen goods.

Morrow said photos taken from the camera will only be retained for 180 days unless needed in ongoing investigations.

The Lincoln Police Department now joins multiple agencies across the state that have implemented the cameras and software.

Morrow noted that license plate readers are not foolproof. The only bug they encountered was that the software misidentified the condition on the plate if the plate was covered in mud or other substances. Lincoln Police stressed that officers should double-check what their readers capture during any investigation.

The seven-month trial ran from March 15 to October 15, and the cameras are now coming into full use.

In terms of money, they cost $208 per month per vehicle.

If you want to learn more about license plate readers, you can go to: department’s page for an even more in-depth review.

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