Automatic Licence Plate Recognition

ALPR technology helps strengthen traffic enforcement efforts and makes our roads safer. It helps locate suspended and prohibited drivers and assists in locating stolen vehicles and apprehending those responsible. This technology will also assist in locating victims of crime.

Due to our unique geographical location, we know organized crime smuggle drugs, weapons, and people through Sault Ste. Marie across Ontario and Canada. This technology allows us to monitor vehicles of interest to better protect our community.

In fact, ALPR technology is used in many communities in Ontario, in Canada, and around the world!

An image of the licence plate and vehicle as well as the text of the plate and the date, time and location of the vehicle.

No, the system does not have facial recognition or the ability to differentiate people based on gender or race.

The ALPR system will automatically purge images of licence plates not designated as a licence plate of interest every 24 hours.

Licence plates of interest will be stored for 30 days.

Only SSMPS members authorized by the Service can access ALPR data. 

Extensive consultations with the office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario took place prior to the ALPR system becoming active.

The ALPR technology scans licence plates and compares them to what is referred to as a “hot list”. The “hot lists” are maintained by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Transportation and are updated every morning.

• Amber Alert
• Armed Robbery
• Assault
• BOLO Most Wanted
• Carjacking
• Hit and Run
• Homicide
• Missing Person
• Stolen Vehicle