Ontario provides Belleville Police Service $206,428 to enhance its ALPR technology
BELLEVILLE – The Ontario government is providing the Belleville Police Service with $206,428 to help fight crime through the enhanced use of Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology.
ALPR technology uses cameras and software installed in active-duty police vehicles that automatically scan licence plates. It alerts officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.
“Providing police with these modern tools allows them to quickly recognize vehicles that may be connected to criminal activity and assists in the promotion of public safety,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “In a world where every second counts, this investment could make a real difference to members of our community.”
Mike Callaghan, Belleville’s Chief of Police, said the funding will allow the systems to be installed in most frontline vehicles within the service’s fleet.
“The Belleville Police Service is very pleased to receive this support from the provincial government with respect to the recent ALPR grant. As we work with our community and policing partners toward making Belleville ‘the safest community in Ontario,’ support like this is paramount,” Callaghan said. “This technology will allow us to identify suspects and crime vehicles, not only from our community but from across the province as we know that those involved in criminal activity are transient in nature.”
The Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology Grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.
“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”
QUICK FACTS
- ALPR immediately compares plate numbers to a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) database with vehicle and vehicle owner information.
- ALPR technology does not detect moving violations such as speeding, going through a red light or stop sign, and distracted driving.
- The investment in ALPR technology supports Ontario’s recent move to eliminate licence plate renewal fees and stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds by allowing licence plate information to be read automatically without requiring an officer to see a physical licence sticker to validate a vehicle.