High Tech License Plate Reader Can Quickly Identify Stolen Vehicles

EXPOSITION PARK (CBSLA.com) — A high speed pursuit that led police all throughout South Los Angeles Tuesday was the result of a high-tech license plate camera.

The License Plate Reader camera, or LPR, identified the van as a hit, and sent the information to USC police, who brought LAPD in on the vehicle.

The pursuit ended when the suspect jumped out of the car and attempted to run on foot, only to slip and be taken down by officers.

"There are cameras that are able to record, photograph, and scan the license plate of virtually every car that passes by them," USC Department of Public Safety Capt. David Carlisle said.

The camera runs the plate through the Department of Justice database, and can easily identify whether a car is stolen or wanted in connection to a crime.

Campus officers say that they have plans to invest in more technology

"It helps the community, because its obviously taken a person who did not want to be captured, who is willing to assault police officers, off the streets, partially due to our technology and the good work of the LAPD," Capt. Carlisle said.