Operational Technologies
The IACP Technology Center assists law enforcement agencies in planning and effectively deploying technology to meet their evolving operational needs through research, training, technical assistance, standards development, professional development, advocacy, and outreach. The operational technologies addressed by the IACP Technology Center include Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), License Plate Readers (LPR), In-Car Cameras, Red Light Cameras, Digital Video Evidence Standards, and other enforcement technologies.
License Plate Readers (LPR)
Automated license plate recognition systems, or LPR systems (License Plate Readers) as they are commonly known, play an increasingly important role in public safety by enhancing productivity, effectiveness, and officer safety. LPR systems are able to recognize, read, and compare motor vehicle license plates against various "hot lists" much more efficiently than officers manually scanning and making comparisons while on patrol. LPR systems can observe and record thousands of plates an hour in various lighting and weather conditions. LPR systems consist of high-speed cameras and sophisticated computer algorithms capable of converting the images of license plates into computer-readable data. The technology automatically compares license plates against key databases (e.g., stolen and wanted vehicles), and records the date, time, and location at which the image was captured. The technology has proven particularly effective for law enforcement in a variety of operational settings.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police passed a resolution about License Plate Reader (LPR) technology during the 2007 IACP Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana:
"This resolution strongly encourages the U.S. Congress to fully fund license plate reader and related digital photographing systems, including interrelated information sharing networks, for the northern and southern borders of the United States and encourages all countries to use like technology, to the extent possible, to share appropriate law enforcement information."
Tuition-Free LPR Regional Training – NEW
IACP is providing half-day, tuition-free regional training courses on Implementing License Plate Reader (LPR) Technology in Your Community. The classes, which are funded by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), U.S. Department of Justice, assist law enforcement agencies in planning, policy development, acquisition, and implementation of LPR technology. Registration is open to chief executives, project managers, and other law enforcement and governmental personnel who are or will be directly involved in planning and implementation of LPR technology. Six regional courses have been completed and three more courses are currently scheduled:
- Wednesday, September 15, 2010, Central Shenandoah Regional Training Academy, Weyers Cave, VA (1:00pm - 5:00pm).
- Thursday, September 16, 2010, Ashburn, VA (9:30am – 3:00pm).
- Friday, October 22, 2010, Orlando, FL (12:00pm - 4:00pm).
Register for one of these courses today (space is limited and is provided on a first come, first served basis). Additional courses may be scheduled, depending on available resources.
License Plate Readers Privacy Impact Assessment Report
In response to the growing implementation of License Plate Readers in law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. and around the world, the IACP, through the LEIM Section, has developed a Privacy Impact Assessment Report for the Utilization of License Plate Readers (PDF) for law enforcement. Published September 2009, the report assesses privacy issues that may emerge as LPR systems are implemented and license plate information is captured. The report is designed to evaluate the impact LPR systems can have on the public's privacy interests and to make recommendations for the development of information management policies intended to govern an agency's operation of an LPR system.
Policy and Operational Guide for Law Enforcement License Plate Reader Systems
The License Plate Reader (LPR) Systems: Policy and Operational Guidance for Law Enforcement project employs a structured and multi-dimensional approach to identify and consolidate lessons learned from agencies who have successfully implemented LPR technology. Funded by the National Institute of Justice, IACP Technology Center staff are working with agencies and preparing a report addressing policy and operational issues for the successful implementation of LPR in order to support replication and customization across law enforcement agencies. Publication of the LPR Policy and Operational Guide is expected in 2010.For more information on the privacy impact assessment or the policy and operational guide, contact Meghann Tracy.
CAD Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC) program (previously funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance), built and validated universal functional requirements for law enforcement computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. The specifications are designed to inform law enforcement about the basic functional requirements that all CAD systems should have in order to achieve interoperability. The CAD Standard Functional Specifications is available for download (PDF).
RMS Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC) program, (previously funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance), built and validated validation universal functional requirements for law enforcement records management systems (RMS). The specifications are designed to inform law enforcement about the basic functional requirements that all RMS should have in order to achieve interoperability. The RMS Standard Functional Specifications, Version II is available for download (PDF).
A Project Manager's Guide to RMS/CAD Systems Software Acquisition
Managing technology—from initial planning and acquisition or development, thru successful implementation, and on-going maintenance and support—requires a unique set of skills and resources. Making the transition from practitioner to project manager is not an easy task.This guide provides a practical, high level overview for planning and managing projects effectively, saving valuable time and resources for agencies implementing a CAD system or RMS, while making the project more successful. It is primarily intended to benefit small and medium agencies.
In-Car Cameras
The Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) office funded IACP in 2002 to conduct a nationwide study of in-car cameras, focusing on those in use by state police and highway patrol COPS grant recipients. The resulting report, The Impact of Video Evidence on Modern Policing, (PDF) demonstrated that in-car cameras provided a substantial value to agencies using them, including enhancing officer safety, improving agency accountability, reducing agency liability, simplifying incident review, enhancing new recruit and in-service training, and enhancing officer performance and professionalism. For more information, please contact: Mike Fergus
Focus on In-Car Camera DVD
In-car camera systems have become an essential tool in modern law enforcement. However, for all its benefits, an in-car camera doesn’t guarantee officer buy-in or program success. This video demonstrates how planning and implementation are the keys to a successful in-car camera program that protects officers, their departments, and the citizens they serve. Order your free copy here, or view the video on-line.
In-Car Video Camera Systems Performance Specifications
Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Office of Science and Technology, the IACP established a Digital Video Systems (DVS) Advisory Panel in March 2005 that included voluntary participation from law enforcement practitioners, video system manufacturers, and the scientific and technical community. Six task groups were formed to address specific components of the technical specifications document: quality measurement, data security, operational measurements, officer safety, interoperability, and testing and certification. The project produced performance specifications for in-car digital video camera systems, which are provided in the following publication: In-Car Video Camera Systems Performance Specifications: Digital Video Systems Module Digital Video Systems Minimum Performance Specifications Document Version 14 - 11/21/2008 (PDF).
IACP is in the early stages of building performance standards for In-Car Cameras, Interview Room Recorders, and License Plate Recognition systems. For more information, please contact: Michael Fergus
Technology Desk Reference: A Planning and Management Guide (TDR)
Provides a wealth of tips and resources for the law enforcement executives on how to identify departmental technology needs, and effectively address, manage, and overcome real-world technology challenges. 
Gain critical information on five technologies:
This educational resource is available in print and CD format.
Order your free copy.
Red Light Camera System Specifications
These Red Light Camera System Minimum Performance Specifications have been created cooperatively with IACP law enforcement membership, industry professionals and scientific academia to provide comprehensive minimum performance specifications recommendations. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to use the IACP Red Light Camera System Minimum Performance Specifications when reviewing existing installations, developing new policies, program plans, or when purchasing and implementing a new Red Light Camera System as a component of a crash reductions strategy.
As the build out of this professional assistance membership service continues, IACP will publish a Conforming Product List of Red Light Camera Systems which have been tested for accuracy and reliability and meet these minimum performance specifications.
Red Light Camera System Minimum Performance Specifications (PDF)
For more information, contact Sarah Horn