License Plate Recognition Technology for Private Investigators

By PInow Staff

For private investigators, part of the job is staying up-to-date with the latest technology that enables efficient investigations. License plate recognition (LPR) technology is definitely one to keep on the radar as it enables users to keep tabs on specific vehicles without planting a tracker. In fact, this technology is so effective that it stirs conversations about privacy invasion and the need for increased oversight. Learn more about this technology, the controversy surrounding it, and why it is relevant for professional private investigators.

What is LPR and How does it work?

LPR systems start with cameras mounted on cars and street poles that automatically capture digital pictures of license plates. Similar to face recognition systems, this software uses optical character recognition to recognize a license plate, capture the image, and store the information. These photographs tag the vehicle’s location along with the date and time of the photo. This data is then transmitted to massive databases running on remote computer servers. Because of the number of cameras capturing this data, which are often “affiliates” who agree to install cameras on their vehicle or building, billions of license plates have been captured and stored permanently.

LPR technology originated in Britain while fighting IRA terrorists. …read more

Source:: Private Invest