Investigative Benefits of Vehicle and License Plate Recognition (LPR)

Have you often thought that if only we knew the vehicles that were coming and going from the crime scene it would provide us with investigative leads? Criminal investigations can be one of the most challenging parts of law enforcement, especially with staffing shortages. Many investigative systems are siloed, creating inefficiencies in connecting the dots to see the big picture. Pushed to do more with less staff and adding the need to manually search the suspect vehicle information multiple times in siloed systems, investigators lose valuable time looking for leads and gathering additional witness statements and other evidence. License plate recognition (LPR) adds several investigative benefits.

SoundThinking’s PlateRanger™ powered by Rekor®, the fully integrated, AI-based vehicle and license plate recognition system streamlines investigations, improves operational efficiency, and links more crimes to vehicle-related leads. The actionable leads provide valuable insights into potential suspects and witnesses, saving investigative time. When integrated into current and future systems, including SoundThinking’s ShotSpotter® and CrimeTracer™ by Q1 2025, LPR and vehicle information can be combined with other searchable data, allowing investigators to efficiently and effectively connect the dots, close cases, and restore safe communities.

How do Vehicle Recognition and LPRs work?

Vehicle and License plate recognition (LPR) uses high-definition cameras to scan vehicles and their license plates. Fixed LPRs, sometimes also called ALPRs or automated license plate recognition, are stationary equipment and technology that capture, read, and process vehicle information, including license plate number, state of origin, make, model, and color.

That data is then queried against integrated hotlists such as stolen vehicle lists, arrest warrants, AMBER  alerts (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response), Silver alerts (for the elderly, the developmentally or cognitively impaired person who is missing and determined at-risk), and other connected data. If alerts match the query, law enforcement is notified quickly, receiving the vehicle information and location.

Investigative Benefits of PlateRanger, the AI-based Vehicle and License Plate Recognition

Reviewing LPR video clips using precise date, time, and location can identify vehicles associated with the crime. LPR video clips and alerts for wanted vehicles can speed up investigations and arrests. PlateRanger’s artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities add to the advanced analytic and investigative functions, unlocking insight into crime trends and criminal organizations. Functions that increase exponentially when integrated with critical systems, including ShotSpotter for precise gunfire location and CrimeTracer to link with the largest investigative database available in the first quarter of 2025.

• Real-time Insights

Investigative units are often tasked with overwhelming caseloads and can be short-staffed. LPRs can be a force multiplier that helps find vehicle-related leads, including possible suspects and potential witnesses. PlateRanger™ powered by Rekor®, uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide accurate vehicle information. Its patented and patent-pending technology provides high-quality, high-accuracy night captures when most crimes occur.

LPR video clips capture the crucial moments before and after a criminal event, improving response and providing investigative leads. Integrated real-time alerts on stolen vehicles, BOLOs, and other safety messages notify officers in the field, increasing situational awareness and officer safety. The integration into ShotSpotter will provide valuable vehicle leads and insights into crimes with gunfire, where the eyes of the PlateRanger will follow the ear of ShotSpotter.

PlateRanger integration with ShotSpotter.

• Improving Investigative Capacity

Connecting vehicle associations in investigations is a crucial component. LPR solutions provide the associated vehicles, reduce data duplication between systems, and combine searches, saving valuable investigative time when integrated with other solutions. The PlateRanger solution uses AI to provide vehicle analytics and suspect vehicle information to help investigators and improve officer safety through situational awareness.

Integration to the #1 searchable database, CrimeTracer, allows large amounts of shared data to be queried. This provides greater insights into vehicle associations with leads and locations that can maximize investigative resources. The integration with CrimeTracer further improves efficiency and streamlines investigations.

PlateRanger integration with CrimeTracer.

• Robust Integration

Real-time alerts from recognized vehicles of interest, NCIC stolen vehicle hotlists, BOLOs, and AMBER and Silver alerts can enhance officer safety through situational awareness. PlateRanger data can also be shared quickly using APIs to automate workflow and reduce data errors. Integration to ShotSpotter, available in the first quarter of 2025, will provide additional insights into gun-related crime by noting vehicles moving to and from the precise location of gunfire.

Including license plate recognition data with AI and machine learning adds depth to crime analysis. PlateRanger analysis can include data on criminal interdiction efforts, data on vehicles involved in gun-related and other crimes, traffic data for community traffic and safety studies, and much more. PlateRanger’s data also includes privacy settings to auto-delete scanned data depending on the agency’s applicable policies.

Why PlateRanger Solution?

PlateRanger by SoundThinking offers a comprehensive solution with real-time insights and robust integrations that can increase investigative capacity. LPR video clips in high-definition and superior night-time video imaging provide clear investigative leads and strong evidence for criminal cases. Real-time alerts from shared local and regional hotlists, automated NCIC stolen vehicle entries, and AMBER and Silver alert integrations provide safety information, enhancing officer and community safety.

PlateRanger powered by Rekor provides industry-leading read performance with a warranty backed by 24/7/365 customer service at a single subscription price. PlateRanger is CJIS-compliant and secure and includes an option to bundle solar power for remote deployments. PlateRanger’s integration in the first quarter of 2025 will provide nationwide search benefits through CrimeTracer and historical tracking through ShotSpotter Insights. Plate Ranger is a cost-effective solution, allowing agencies to do more with less while providing actionable vehicle-related leads and improving their overall investigative capabilities.

Register for the upcoming webinar about PlateRanger’s license plate recognition and learn about the integration with ShotSpotter.

Watch the PlateRanger Webinar On Demand