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Grand Rapids Police Get License Plate Technology

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - The Grand Rapids Police Department has a new tool to help keep an eye on motorists in the city.

The department says four automated license plate recognition systems have been installed that scan license plates using cameras and runs the numbers through databases.

Police say the equipment, which can read approximately 5,000 license plates per shift, increases the efficiency, safety and investigative abilities of police officers by automatically scanning license plates and simultaneously checking them against criminal or civil databases before storing the data from each "plate read."

The department said the technology will not replace officers, but can help increase efficiency and maintain outcomes. Aims include improving the efficiency of officers, increasing the recovery of stolen vehicles, raising the number of arrests of people on outstanding warrants and boosting collection of parking tickets.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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