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“We've been using ShotSpotter successfully for years to improve our response time to shootings and save lives, and [PlateRanger] to provide accurate and rapid vehicle and license plate recognition to identify criminal suspect vehicles. The idea of more tightly integrating these two useful and proven products is compelling and can provide even better investigative insight for our department to prevent and solve crimes, ultimately supporting our mission to protect and serve the community.”
LICENSE PLATE & VEHICLE RECOGNITION OPTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
How can law enforcement accurately identify and track vehicle leads to accelerate investigations?
Vehicle-related leads give investigators critical advantages in solving cases, but there are many approaches for capturing license plates and other vehicle data. Let’s take a look at the common methods and the differences between them.
Common approaches to indentifying suspect vehicles
Manual identification
Law enforcement agencies that don’t use technology for identifying license plates typically rely on witnesses, on-scene information, and patrol officers who perform manual traffic stops.
License plate recognition (LPR)
License plate recognition systems use a combination of cameras and software to capture license plates and vehicle information automatically.
What to Consider in License Plate Recognition (LPR) Solutions
Choosing the right LPR system is critical for ensuring public safety and operational efficiency. Whether capturing plates manually or evaluating LPR technology, here are key factors to keep in mind.
Inefficiencies & Unreliable Information
Manual license plate identification can slow investigations, increase costs, and introduce human error—leading agencies to chase unreliable leads instead of actionable intelligence.
Plate Accuracy & Partial Plate Recognition
Not all LPR systems reliably capture plates in low-light conditions, bad weather, or at high speeds. Some also lack the ability to recognize and match partial plates, limiting their effectiveness in investigations.
Video Evidence for Investigations
Capturing video alongside plate reads provides crucial investigative context. However, not all LPR systems offer automated video capture, potentially leaving agencies without critical evidence.
Bi-Directional Open API for Seamless Integration
An effective LPR system should integrate seamlessly with your Real-Time Crime Center and other critical public safety platforms. Without bi-directional open API capabilities, agencies may face siloed data and operational inefficiencies.
LPR comparison: Flock Safety vs. PlateRanger
Many law enforcement agencies are implementing license plate recognition systems to reduce the time and expenses that come with manual identification, while delivering accurate vehicle and plate information automatically. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two category leaders in license plate recognition, Flock Safety and PlateRanger.
What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety LPR is part of a suite of products that includes gunshot detection and security cameras for businesses, schools, HOAs, and law enforcement.
What is PlateRanger?
PlateRanger is the latest license plate recognition system from SoundThinking, the makers of ShotSpotter gunshot detection and CrimeTracer advanced analytics.
Plate Ranger vs. Flock LPR
Features/Services
Flock Safety
Live Video of Each Read
Included
Mobile App with LPR Scanning
Included
Convoy, Speed, Command and Interdiction Vehicle Analytics
Included
With additional cost
Multi-plate read reporting
Included
Leader in performance
Validated with independent test
Bi-directional Integrations
Open APi: including AXON Fusus integration
Uni-directional integration to FlockOS
ShotSpotter & CrimeTracer Integrations
Included
24x7 Support
Included
WHY CHOOSE PLATERANGER OVER FLOCK SAFETY FOR LPR?
Speed up investigations with crystal clear vehicle data and real-time alerts
Capture license plates under any conditions
PlateRanger’s combination of high-definition cameras and AI models allow the system to accurately capture license plate and vehicle information at night, in low light, during severe weather, and even at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. Flock Safety may struggle with stacked lettering, low light, and identifying vehicles without plates.
Search and identify vehicles with partial data
PlateRanger allows you to search for vehicles even if you only have partial plates or details like make, model, and color. You can also get alerts when possible matches are detected. Flock Safety can’t process partial information and doesn’t offer partial match alerts.
Get video of every license plate capture
PlateRanger allows you to search for vehicles even if you only have partial plates or details like make, model, and color. You can also get alerts when possible matches are detected. Flock Safety can’t process partial information and doesn’t offer partial match alerts.
24/7 support from law enforcement pros
PlateRanger offers support from experts with law enforcement backgrounds at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. Flock Safety does not currently offer the same level of support.
Why law enforcement agencies across the U.S. trust SoundThinking for their technology
“We have a valued partnership. SoundThinking is responsive to our issues and has open communication with us. All people involved with CCPD’s contract always answer when we call immediately!”
Michael Shomo
Deputy Police Chief
Camden County, NJ
GET A FREE DEMO
See how PlateRanger can help you capture more vehicle leads
PlateRanger’s unique combination of high-definition cameras, app technology, and real-time alerts give law enforcement a leg up in any investigations involving vehicles.
Here’s what you can expect after filling out the form:
- An expert on our team will respond within one business day.
- We will schedule a quick call to understand your LPR needs.
- We will give you a custom demo designed for your agency.
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