Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR)
The Windsor Police Service uses an Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. This technology, which is incorporated into patrol vehicles, automatically scans licence plates and alerts officers of stolen plates and/or vehicles, licence plates associated with suspended drivers, and other infractions.
The ALPR streamlines the availability of information normally gathered through manual searches of law enforcement and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) databases, enhancing our operational efficiency and public safety efforts.
Privacy
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has released guidelines on the use of ALPR systems by police services. These guidelines ensure the technology is used lawfully and in accordance with Charter rights.
The Windsor Police Service also worked with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario on a Privacy Impact Assessment for the use of this technology.
The collection, retention, use, and disclosure of any personal information obtained from the ALPR program is done so in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it look like?
A camera mounted on the windshield inside the police cruiser.
How does it work?
The ALPR system continuously scans licence plates and notifies the operating officer of hits. For example, if the system scans the licence plate of a stolen vehicle, it notifies the officer of a potential criminal offence.
What is a hit?
A hit occurs when a licence plate is scanned and matched to a hotlist.
What is a non-hit?
A non-hit occurs when a licence plate is scanned and does not match an entry on a hotlist..
What is a hotlist?
A hotlist is a list of licence plates that have been identified by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), or Windsor Police as being of interest to police.
Why would a plate be added to the hotlist?
A plate can be added to the hotlist for reasons including, but not limited to:
- stolen vehicles / licence plates
- expired permits
- a licence plate owner who is a suspended driver, wanted, or reported missing
When a licence plate is scanned, what happens to that data?
All information related to a non-hit is deleted within approximately 24 hours, in accordance with WPS Policy. Information related to a hit is retained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Does the scanner record video?
The scanner does not record video and will only analyze pictures for licence plates.