AI and ALPR: Building Smarter Tools for Law Enforcement

Artificial intelligence is transforming automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), taking it beyond simple plate reading to analyzing vehicle attributes such as make, model, color, type, and even generation. This richer data is giving law enforcement agencies new ways to investigate crimes, act in real time, and support safer, smarter cities.

The ability to connect license plates with vehicle details is becoming an essential tool for uncovering patterns and spotting anomalies. As Anders Grafström, Marketing and Communication at Axis Communications explained:

“When we can start to match the make, model and colour with the license plate… you get a lot of understanding on crime behaviour.”

Vehicles also provide more reliable tracking points than other identifiers. Unlike facial recognition, which requires precise camera placement, vehicles naturally pass through intersections, checkpoints, and road networks. This makes them easier to monitor during investigations. According to Llewellyn Davies, Senior Solutions Engineer at Milestone Systems:

“It’s a lot easier to track somebody on a public road because there are choke points. With LPR you can determine where the person’s been.”

Another important development is the role of edge computing. Instead of sending all video to central servers, modern cameras process information locally and transmit only the essential data. This approach delivers alerts faster, reduces bandwidth needs, and keeps systems working even in areas with unstable connections. As Llewellyn Davies noted:

“Edge is just faster because it’s getting the information in real time. The more you shift to the edge, the faster you can react.”

Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as body-worn and vehicle-mounted cameras, acoustic sensors that detect gunshots or breaking glass, drones for aerial awareness, and multi-sensor fusion are expected to further enhance officer safety and community protection.

The discussion also pointed to opportunities beyond enforcement. The same ALPR data that helps solve crimes can also improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and guide long-term city planning. By sharing information across agencies and combining data from different sources, cities can make decisions that benefit both public safety and everyday mobility.

AI-enhanced ALPR is therefore evolving from a single-purpose enforcement tool into a cornerstone of modern city infrastructure, one that strengthens policing while also supporting smarter, safer urban environments.

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