LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A second set of eyes could be scanning Little Rock streets along with the police department. A new camera system can scan and read license plates moving at high speeds and run them through a database.
"It has cameras that actually capture the license plate, the shape of a license plate," said Officer Grant Humphries.
The device helps Humphries lock in on those avoiding the law. After scanning the plate, the computer / camera combo relays data to the Little Rock database searching for outstanding warrants or stolen vehicles.
"So anyone that has a warrant and a license plate is associated with that person, it would give me an alert to a person having an active warrant for their arrest," explained Humphries.
The camera system does not reveal registration information on every vehicle only data linked to warrants or stolen vehicles. Humphries said the camera system can catch vehicles traveling 60-70 miles per hour.
Since last May, the system assisted in a number of arrests.
"...Dozens and dozens of arrests for warrants from hits off this license plate reader. Probably recovered a dozen or so stolen license plates, stolen vehicles," said Humphries.
Little Rock Police added that they plan to purchase more LPRs. The system costs around $15,000.
Officer Humphries said he double checks the plate before pulling someone over because occasionally it will mistakenly read a zero for the letter O.