Item Number: 9
City Council / Board of Directors
Consent Calendar
Meeting of: February 6, 2024
Submitted By:
Keith C. Metzler, City Manager
John Wickum, Police Captain
Subject:
Automatic License Plate Reader Annual Report
Recommendation:
That the Honorable City Council review and file the attached Automatic License Plate Reader Annual Report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Strategic Plan Goal:
This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal B, Public Safety. The City focuses on implementing public safety strategies to support a thriving and growing community. In accordance with one strategy outlined within the plan, invest in technology that will assist efficient and effective police operations, the City Council has previously approved Phases 1-6 of the Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) program.
Background:
Since the City Council approved the ALPR program in 2019, Phases 1-6 have been completed, and 123 fixed cameras have been installed throughout the City. In 2023, Phase 6, which was the final phase of the ALPR program, was completed. With the program complete, the cameras help create a perimeter internal to and around the City to better locate the vehicle being sought by our Police Department.
Discussion:
The ALPR program allows law enforcement to proactively prevent crime and improve the security and safety of the community in the most cost-effective fashion. ALPR technology assists with proactive, tactical, and investigative policing, thereby reducing ongoing costs for additional officers with a one-time capital expense. 3 4
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The ALPR cameras continue to provide critical investigative information to solve murders, burglaries, sex offender violations, among other crimes. The system immediately notifies our deputies with hits related to wanted vehicles, kidnapping suspects, violent offenders, in-progress robberies, shootings, and critical missing persons. This program allows our deputies to proactively prevent crime and improve the security and safety of our citizens.
Attachment A provides the Council with the City’s ALPR camera activity from January 2023 through December 2023. During this 12-month period, the cameras have captured 374 hits with 96 arrests for various crimes: auto theft, robbery, attempted murder, assault/ domestic violence, and terrorist threats, in addition to the recovery of narcotics and firearms. The attachment also highlights case summaries where the ALPR program proved invaluable in protecting our community's citizens.
Staff remains available for any questions or comments you might have.
Attachments: A. Victorville ALPR Camera Data