SELECTING THE RIGHT LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SOLUTION FOR YOUR AGENCY

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL LPR PROGRAM

An indispensable law enforcement tool, License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems assist agencies with real-time threat detection and mitigation, while helping close all manner of criminal investigations faster.

WHY ADOPT LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION?

LPR solutions take photos of vehicles, then use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithms to capture and parse license plate data, along with date, time and GPS coordinates. They can also integrate with other technologies to significantly expand their core functionality. For instance, LPR detections can trigger a real-time alert to improve situational awareness, be searched and analyzed for investigative insight, and be leveraged to automate processes such as traffic enforcement or access control.

Using an LPR solution automates operations to increase officer efficiency and productivity, so officers spend less time on rote activities and more time in the community, keeping residents safe.

With a range of models from multiple vendors incorporating a variety of features, selecting the right solution for your agency can seem challenging. Partnering with an experienced vendor with LPR product expertise and law enforcement know-how will ensure regulatory compliance and program success, especially given the ever-changing laws and regulations governing LPR.

Key benefits include:

? Find more wanted vehicles of interest
? Close more open cases, faster
⚙️ Improve officer efficiency and productivity

AVAILABLE LPR DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS

This guide aims to serve as a starting point in helping you establish a successful LPR program. We've provided detailed descriptions and usage scenarios for each type of available camera system, along with guidance on supporting your system with back-end software.

FIXED: Permanently installed cameras on poles or roadway infrastructure for continuous scanning.
QUICK-DEPLOY: Flexible cameras that can be easily moved or permanently installed, ideal for low-volume, low-speed scanning.
VIDEO-BASED: Utilizes existing camera feeds to run LPR algorithms, offering a cost-effective integration.
MOBILE: Cameras mounted on vehicles, scanning continuously and providing real-time alerts to officers.
IN-CAR INTEGRATED: Cameras located inside patrol vehicles for proximity scanning, enhancing officer safety.
APP-BASED: Utilizes mobile devices for license plate and vehicle data capture, especially when direct camera line-of-sight is limited.

LPR CAMERAS: SYSTEM TYPES, DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS, AND PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS

Different situations require different types of LPR. Depending on your agency and community's needs, your LPR program will likely consist of several types of LPR cameras installed for capturing plates in various scenarios. These cameras should work together to provide you with accurate and actionable data, so that you can go from case to closure more quickly.

In addition to this guide, Motorola Solutions offers an LPR-equipped virtual city that allows you to see how LPR can work together in a comprehensive video program. Visit: namrinfo.motorolasolutions.com/lpr-solutions

Deployment Scenarios Illustrated:

FOOT PATROL: Officers on foot using LPR devices.
GUIDED PATROL: LPR systems assisting patrol routes.
CRIME PATTERN LOCATION: Identifying areas with recurring criminal activity.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP: Collaboration with businesses for data sharing.
MAJOR THOROUGHFARE PATROL: LPR deployment on high-traffic roads.
TRAFFIC STOP: LPR use during vehicle stops.

FIXED

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
Fixed LPR systems are one of the most adopted types of deployments today. These cameras are permanently installed, typically on poles or other roadway infrastructure, and can provide the most data capture per dollar spent. Fixed cameras are high-performing, continuously scanning in all weather conditions - day or night - as well as reading vehicles moving at high speed.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES: High traffic volume roads requiring high capture rates and quality performance in all lighting conditions. A global shutter sensor is crucial for high-speed vehicles.
JURISDICTION ENTRY POINTS: Reliable plate capture at entry points ensures information is captured from vehicles moving at high speed, enabling proactive response to threats and incidents.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

CAPTURE RATE: Determines how many plates a system can detect. A quality camera should continuously scan a high volume of cars in a short timespan.
READ ACCURACY: Measures recognition accuracy, especially in dark environments and on high-speed vehicles.
LENS DESIGN: Variety of focal lengths and a wide field of view are needed to capture plates effectively, including errant vehicles.
RUGGEDNESS: Metrics indicate durability and performance in inclement weather.

SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Frame rate should be 60 frames per second (FPS) or greater.
The camera should scan continuously.
There should be no daily capture limits.
Simultaneous color and IR image capture is recommended.
Zero degradation at 150 MPH or greater is ideal.
Camera should employ a global shutter.
Lenses should span at least 6mm - 25mm.
A 20-foot field of view for multi-lane capture is beneficial.
Camera system should be IP68 or higher.
Should be rated ISO 16750-3 or better.
Must operate at temperatures of -40°F to 140°F.

QUICK-DEPLOY

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
Quick-deploy LPR cameras are one of the newest LPR technologies on the market. With flexibility and data connectivity, the cameras can be easily moved according to the needs of the area, or they can be installed permanently. Quick-deploy LPRs can include their own stand or be mounted to common infrastructure, making them ideal for low-volume, low-speed vehicle scanning in controlled environments.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

NARCOTICS INTERDICTION: Aids in shortening drug interdiction timelines by gathering data and evidence, enabling pattern analysis and arrests.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMPLAINTS: Easily and often covertly deployed to improve response to community concerns in areas with disturbances.
PATTERN CRIME LOCATIONS: Placed at probable future targets to identify vehicles and people of interest in recurring crime series.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Affordable cameras owned and operated by businesses who share images with law enforcement.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

TIME-TO-BENEFIT: Measures installation and activation time, and required technical expertise.
MOUNTING: Offers various options for convenient placement.
POWER OPTIONS: Supports solar, AC/DC direct, or battery power.
CONNECTIVITY: Supports major cellular carriers, BYO-SIM, and Wi-Fi.

SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Single, self-contained camera unit design.
Hand-holdable size (no bigger than 6 inches).
Quick-connecting Android or iOS setup app.
Pole-mount or equivalent universal straps.
Camera maneuvering via easy-lock ball joint.
Optional security enclosure available.
Power options: Solar (at least 10-watt panel), AC or DC direct power connection, Battery power (100-watt hours or more).
Connectivity options: Major cellular carrier support, Bring-your-own-SIM cellular flexibility, Wi-Fi connectivity option.

MOBILE

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
A highly adopted system, mobile LPR involves between one and four cameras continuously scanning around the vehicle they're mounted on. Drivers can receive real-time alerts from within the car, typically through a software interface on a mobile computer or tablet device. These cameras are ideal for helping to keep officers safe and aware of threats, as well as guiding patrol efforts based on hot plate hits.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

TRAFFIC STOPS: First line of defense during traffic stops, alerting officers to outstanding wants or warrants associated with a vehicle.
GUIDED PATROL: Turns passive patrolling into active law enforcement by providing automated direction on BOLOs and vehicles with warrants.
INVESTIGATIONS: Speeds up the process of canvassing nearby vehicles at crime scenes to locate potential witnesses.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

CAPTURE RATE: Ability to continuously scan a high volume of cars in a short timespan.
READ ACCURACY: High performance in dark environments and on high-speed vehicles.
LENS DESIGN: Variety of focal lengths and wide field of view for scanning errant vehicles.
RUGGEDNESS: Durability and performance in inclement weather.
IN-CAR SOFTWARE: Easy-to-use interface, runs without distraction, consistent with other officer software.

SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Frame rate should be 60 FPS or greater.
The camera should scan continuously.
There should be no daily capture limits.
Simultaneous color and IR image capture.
Zero degradation at 150 MPH or greater.
Camera should employ a global shutter.
Lenses should at least span 6mm - 25mm.
20-foot field of view for multi-lane capture.
Camera system should be IP68 or higher.
Should be rated ISO 16750-3 or better.
Operate at temperatures of -40°F to 140°F.
Audio and visual alert configurability.
Local and network-wide searching.
Light and dark modes interface options.
Option to run in the background.

IN-CAR INTEGRATED

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
In-car integrated LPR enhances officer safety by enabling the detection and recognition of license plates on vehicles in close proximity to, and in the front of the patrol vehicle. However, as the camera is located inside the car and it doesn't leverage a dedicated system designed for this purpose, integrated LPR has some shortcomings, including difficulties detecting in low-light and detecting vehicles moving at high speeds.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

TRAFFIC STOPS: Effective tool for officers during a traffic stop, alerting them to outstanding wants or warrants associated with the vehicle they have pulled over.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

CAPTURE RATE: Ability to continuously scan a high volume of cars in a short timespan.
DRIVER SAFETY: LPR capability should be intuitive, allowing officers to enable scanning without taking actions, without requiring repositioning, and without obstructing critical sightlines or creating blind spots.
IN-CAR SOFTWARE: Should be easy to use, run without distraction, and be consistent with other officer software.

SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

There should be a panoramic field of view.
The camera should scan continuously.
There should be no daily capture limits.
Should not require repositioning for LPR.
Critical sightlines should be unobstructed.
Blind spots should not be created.
Audio and visual alert configurability.
Local and network-wide searching.
Light and dark mode interface options.
Option to run in the background.

VIDEO-BASED

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
Video-based LPR uses existing camera feeds and runs the LPR algorithm over the top of the video to detect and recognize plates, so it can be deployed using your existing system for a cost-effective, easily integrated option.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

FACILITIES SECURITY: Excellent option for areas already monitored by video surveillance, such as police stations or dispatch centers.
SCHOOL SECURITY: Detects and responds to banned vehicles on school premises, enhancing student and teacher safety.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Allows seamless sharing of images with agencies from businesses with existing video systems.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

CAMERA REQUIREMENTS: Determine if expensive, top-of-the-line cameras are required or if modern cameras with modest specs suffice.
KEY FUNCTIONALITY TO CONSIDER: Resolution requirement no more than 720p, Frame rate requirement no more than 15 FPS.
DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS: Consider centralized or distributed architectures, optional Video Management System (VMS) deployment, zero limits on cameras, and RTSP or ONVIF compliance.

APP-BASED

DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
App-based LPR is convenient for license plate and vehicle data capture when a deployed camera doesn't have a clear line of sight to a plate. This type of LPR can also capture hot hit alerts, keeping officers informed even when they're away from their vehicle.

DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS

INVESTIGATIONS: Aids in recording plate information and eliminating error-prone manual processes when canvassing nearby vehicles for witnesses.
FOOT PATROL: Essential tool for license plate and vehicle data capture for officers on foot, using their mobile devices to document interactions.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

OPERATING SYSTEM: Ability to run on devices officers already rely on (Android or iOS) for accessibility and efficiency.
PLATE CAPTURE: Variety of data collection options including streaming video, single image capture, or upload from phone gallery.
HIT ALERTING: Ensures officers are informed of vehicles of interest via push notifications for appropriate action.
DATA SECURITY: Secure storage of data, with options for data erasure after closing app, segmented storage, and user login with PIN.