License Plate Recognition (LPR): What Public Safety & Facilities Need to Know

License Plate Recognition (LPR) has become an increasingly common tool for public safety agencies and organizations looking to improve situational awareness and post-incident review.

When used appropriately, LPR can help teams identify vehicle activity associated with incidents, support investigations, and enhance response efforts.

At the same time, many organizations are unsure when LPR makes sense, how it fits into existing video systems, and what policies are needed to use it responsibly. Below, we break down what LPR is, how it’s commonly used, and what to consider before implementing it.

What Is License Plate Recognition?

License Plate Recognition is a video analytics capability that allows cameras to capture and index license plate information from passing or parked vehicles. Unlike traditional video review, LPR makes it easier to search for vehicles by plate number, time frame, or location after an incident.

LPR is typically deployed as part of a broader video surveillance platform rather than as a standalone system. It works alongside cameras, analytics, and storage tools to help teams review vehicle-related activity more efficiently.

It’s important to note that LPR is not continuous vehicle tracking, and it is not facial recognition. In most implementations, it is used to support event-based review and investigations.

Common Public Safety Use Cases

Public safety agencies are among the most common users of LPR technology. Typical use cases include:

• Supporting investigations by identifying vehicles present near an incident location

• Reviewing vehicle activity related to BOLOs (Be On the Lookout alerts) or other notifications

• Providing time- and location-based vehicle data during post-incident analysis

• Enhancing situational awareness during large events or emergency responses

In these scenarios, LPR is one tool among many. It works best when integrated into an existing video and communications environment rather than treated as a standalone solution.

Facility and Commercial Use Cases

Beyond public safety, LPR can also support certain facility and commercial environments when deployed thoughtfully. Examples include:

• Monitoring vehicle access points at large campuses or secured facilities

• Reviewing parking or perimeter activity after an incident

• Supporting investigations related to theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access

• Temporary or event-based deployments where vehicle visibility is important

As with public safety applications, LPR in these environments should be tied to clear operational goals and policies.

Key Considerations Before Implementing LPR

Before adding LPR capabilities, organizations should evaluate several important factors:

Policy and Governance

Clear policies should define how LPR data is collected, accessed, retained, and shared. This helps ensure responsible use and maintains public trust.

Integration with Existing Systems

LPR is most effective when it integrates with existing video platforms, analytics tools, and response workflows rather than operating in isolation.

Camera Placement and Environment

Proper camera placement, lighting, and angles are critical to achieving reliable results. Not every camera location is suitable for LPR.

Privacy and Transparency

Organizations should understand applicable regulations and communicate clearly about how LPR technology is used and why it is in place.

How LPR Fits into a Broader Video Strategy

LPR should be viewed as part of a larger video security and analytics strategy. When combined with standard video surveillance, analytics, and incident response tools, it can help teams move from reactive review to more informed decision-making.

Rather than asking whether LPR is needed on its own, organizations should consider how it complements their existing security and response capabilities.

How ChiComm Can Help

ChiComm works with public safety agencies and organizations to design and support video solutions that align with real-world operational needs.

As a Motorola Solutions partner, ChiComm supports Avigilon video solutions and analytics, including license plate recognition, as part of integrated security system designs. When LPR is appropriate, our team helps evaluate how it fits into existing systems, supports responsible use, and integrates into a broader security and communications environment.

Our approach focuses on understanding the problem first, then identifying solutions that make sense for the organization, both today and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About License Plate Recognition (LPR)

How does license plate recognition differ from facial recognition or biometric technologies?

License plate recognition focuses on identifying vehicle license plates, not individuals. It does not analyze faces or use biometric data. LPR is typically used to support investigations and post-incident review by helping teams search for vehicle-related activity tied to a specific time and location.

How is license plate recognition data typically used after an incident?

After an incident, LPR data can be used to review vehicle activity near a location within a defined timeframe. This helps investigators identify relevant vehicles more efficiently during post-incident analysis or follow-up investigations, rather than relying solely on manual video review.

Is license plate recognition appropriate for facilities and campus environments?

In some cases, yes. LPR can support situational awareness and investigations in facility or campus settings when deployed with clear operational goals, defined policies, and appropriate oversight.