A Randomized Experiment of License Plate Recognition Technology in Mesa, AZ

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) proposes to conduct a randomized experimental evaluation of the Mesa Police Department (MPD) License Plate Recognition (LPR)program. Using an 'action research' model of close collaboration between researchers and practitioners, the study will produce a set of findings to help police target their resources and improve their tactics in combating auto theft. The purpose of this 27-month study is to provide high-quality scientific evidence concerning the effectiveness of using LPR technology during regular patrol activities in auto theft 'hot spot' transit routes compared to regular patrol without the use of LPR technology in comparable transit routes. The long-term goal is to help increase the capacity of law enforcement to combat auto theft.

ca/ncf