The Looking Beyond the License Plate Award Program was established in 1998 by the IACP Highway Safety Committee, in cooperation with the 3M Traffic Safety Systems Division, to recognize officers whose observations of license plates have led to the arrest of suspects or to the solution of crimes. Last year, the Looking Beyond the License Plate Award recipient was Trooper Eric Randazzo of the Pennsylvania State Police. Trooper Randazzo was presented with the award because of his exceptional work in using information from an expired motorcycle license plate to identify a driver who was in possession of methamphetamines. This led to a larger investigation that resulted in the apprehension and prosecution of a major drug dealer. Trooper Randazzo’s enforcement of license plate laws was vital in solving a serious, non-traffic crime and therefore well deserving of the 2013 Looking Beyond the License Plate Award.

To apply for the 2014 awards, visit www.theiacp.org/LookingBeyondtheLicensePlateAwardProgram. Submissions must be based on license plate observations by sworn law enforcement officers between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014. There is no limit on the number of entries that an officer or law enforcement agency can submit. Submissions must be postmarked by May 31.