FCPD fights crime with license plate readers
The Fairfax County Police Department reports strong results from license plate readers.
“This key data-informed policing initiative, launched in November 2022, has proved to be an invaluable asset in ensuring the safety and security of the Fairfax County community,” the FCPD states.
The license plate readers have helped the police:
- Recover 200 stolen vehicles;
- Arrest 514 people, leading to 1,556 arrest charges, including 1,026 felony charges and 530 misdemeanor charges;
- Locate 30 missing persons;
- Recover 43 guns; and
- Log 116 cases leading to the recovery of narcotics.
The FCPD purchased 27 LPRs from Flock Safety and Axon. Some are in fixed locations and others are mobile.
According to the police department, “LPRs have significantly enhanced investigative efforts and solved hundreds of complex cases over the past two years, including malicious woundings, attempted rapes, burglaries, and other offenses.” Most recently, FCPD used LPR technology to combat organized retail crime at Springfield Town Center, Tysons Corner Mall, and Fair Oaks Mall.
The FCPD has made some changes in the LPR program since it was launched, including a reduction in data retention and additional oversight. Data stored by LPRs is only kept for 30 days.
The police do not get any LPR alerts regarding immigration enforcement warrants, driver’s licenses, registration, or inspection violations.
4 responses to “FCPD fights crime with license plate readers”
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Wonderful—keep up the good work FCPD.
A good use of technology to create safer neighborhoods, and will help solve more crimes at less expense, especially as police are finding it hard to recruit.
This is creative. The FCPD should expand this program.
Now we need the readers to log Maryland plates over a set time period. There are too many MD vehicles housed in VA and their owners live here. They refuse to register their cars to avoid inspections, insurance, sales taxes, and personal property tax