Technology plays an important role in our daily lives. Police stops are no exception. In Part One of our Series on Technology and Police Stops, we’ll review Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). It’s possible that you don’t even realize that your motor vehicle stop and/or arrest was premised as a result of one of these devices.
It came as a surprise to Maria Montalvo. She was stunned when the police pulled her over on the Garden State Parkway. After all, she wasn’t speeding, nor was she exclusively traveling in the left lane. Maria was somewhat secure that she hadn’t disobeyed any motor vehicle laws and was not worried she had committed a traffic violation.
One problem. Maria was court ordered to pay child support to her ex-husband. Admittedly, Maria was angry that the judge had given custody of their teenager to her former spouse. She decided to ignore the court order. Maria had no idea that a warrant for arrest had been issued for non-payment. Until the police stopped her on the Parkway. Wondering how the police officer picked her out? Technology.
Police Stops and Automatic License Plate Readers
Ever zoom by and think the police are using something to track speed? That’s just one part of the equation. Law enforcement officials are now using automatic license plate readers to quickly check out passing vehicles. ALPRs are considered great tools for locating those with outstanding arrest warrants. They also pinpoint stolen vehicles. Those driving with suspended licenses may also be discovered as a result of this technology.
How do Automated License Plate Readers work? Take a look at this interesting animated tutorial on License Plate Recognition devices. The technology involves the use of cameras and special image reading software. It is considered somewhat accurate as far as determining information.
We mentioned the use of cameras to read license plates. Cameras may be installed on bridges. They may be set up at tollbooths. Some cameras are even fixtures on police vehicles. If the system reads a match to a stolen car or a wanted person, an alert is sounded. Law enforcement doesn’t even have to run the plate. The work is done for them!
It’s obvious that automated license plate readers have their shortcomings. Just because someone owns a car doesn’t mean they are the driver. Technology isn’t so advanced that APLRs can do a wallet scan to visually inspect and pin down the identity of the vehicle operator. Maybe one day police officers will be use facial image recognition software to match up drivers with their license photographs.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey has questioned the use of Automated License Plate Readers. There are concerns that data is stored and may be used to track and record people’s movements. How exactly does this work when concerns are raised with the privacy of the average citizen?
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At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we have been arrested or received motor vehicle citations for a variety of reasons. Concerned about a recent police stop? Contact us to determine how we can assist you.
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