Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett at Suncorp Stadium yesterday
Police will soon be able to target crime hot spots by digitally capturing number plates with the help of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said the expansion of ANPR to broader purposes could include using the technology to identify the movements of vehicles or people implemented in criminal offences.
“ANPR is an efficient technology that will be used as an additional tool to help police investigations,” Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.
Addressing privacy concerns, Deputy Commissioner Barnett said accountability mechanisms would ensure the appropriate deployment of ANPR units.
“ANPR units will only be deployed for broader law enforcement purposes under the authority of a commissioned officer,” said Deputy Commissioner Barnett.
The ANPR units will be trialled over a period of 12 months in unmarked vehicles, after which it will be thoroughly evaluated.
