Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology has advanced, high-speed camera systems that automatically capture license plate numbers as vehicles pass by. These systems record key details such as the location, date, and time of each capture. The ALPR technology notifies officers with an audio and visual notification anytime a licence plate of interest is detected.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has implemented two different kinds of ALPR technology: stationary and mobile.
Stationary ALPR
In Sault Ste. Marie, there are stationary ALPR cameras located at the east and north entrance/exits to the city. Both locations, Trunk Road and Great Northern Road, will have two ALPR cameras to be able to scan licence plates of interest travelling in and out of Sault Ste. Marie.
Each camera provides an infrared and colour image, capturing two plates per camera per second.
Mobile ALPR
Sault Police cruisers are equipped with a mobile ALPR cameras that scan surrounding licence plates.
This technology provides real-time alerts to officers about licence plates in poor standing and/or connected to police investigations, allowing them to arrest wanted criminals, recover stolen vehicles, and locate missing persons that are on various hotlists.
FAQs
How does ALPR technology benefit our community?
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!
What is being detected?
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.
Does ALPR detect people/faces?
No, the system does not have facial recognition or the ability to differentiate people based on gender or race.
How long are images of scanned licence plates stored?
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.
Who can access ALPR data?
Only SSMPS members authorized by the Service can access ALPR data.
Has there been any consultations with the Privacy Commissioner on the Service's use of ALPR?
Extensive consultations with the office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario took place prior to the ALPR system becoming active.
How does ALPR technology know a licence plate is in poor standing or connected to criminal activity?
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.
What are the "hot list" categories?
- Amber Alert
- Armed Robbery
- Assault
- BOLO Most Wanted
- Carjacking
- Hit and Run
- Homicide
- Missing Person
- Stolen Vehicle