Photo courtesy of Genetec.
The Jackson (Miss.) Police Department has begun using Genetec's AutoVu license plate recognition system to help officers identify criminals and scofflaws, according to the company.
Jackson PD equipped several vehicles with a Genetec AutoVu mobile LPR system. AutoVu automatically collects vehicle license plates, runs them against a computerized hot list, and if there is a match alerts officers about issues and infractions without interfering with their duties.
The ruggedized laptops are loaded with AutoVu Patroller software that's designed to automate the verification of vehicle license plates. Two AutoVu SharpX IP-based LPR cameras have been mounted to the body of each of the cars. The SharpX IP on-vehicle camera is one of the smallest high-resolution LPR cameras in the world. It delivers extremely accurate license plate read rates even in bad weather, at poor angles, and at high speeds, according to the company.
The Jackson PD has been running Genetec AutoVu systems since 2011. Jackson PD's LPR-equipped cars were originally tasked with locating motorists with multiple unpaid moving violations, but the department soon found many other benefits and uses for the technology.
A few months ago, during a routine patrol, the AutoVu system flagged the car of wanted narcotics dealers, which led to their arrest. Jackson PD plans to increase the number of vehicles equipped with AutoVu to support their narcotics and K9 divisions.