License Plate Reader Tech is a Force Multiplier for Law Enforcement

Note: The following commentary is contributed by the City of Alamogordo Police Chief David Kunihiro.

Police Chief Kunihiro discusses the real-world benefits of license plate reader (LPR) technology in helping law enforcement keep our communities safe and prevent crime. LPRs have become an important tool across New Mexico in solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and assisting in urgent cases like missing persons and attempted abductions. These systems are extremely valuable in delivering timely, actionable information that can make a critical difference in protecting victims and preventing crime according to proponents. 

”As Chief of Police for the Alamogordo Police Department, I’ve had the privilege of serving this community for more than twenty years. I’ve seen firsthand how policing has evolved and how departments like ours must adapt to meet increasing public safety demands with limited personnel and resources.

For the past fifteen years, our department has operated understaffed, making it critical that we utilize technology that helps our officers work smarter and more efficiently.

One of the most valuable tools we have implemented is license plate reader (LPR) technology.

LPR technology has become a force multiplier for our agency. By providing real-time information on vehicles connected to criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and wanted suspects, the system allows our officers and investigators to act quickly and effectively.

What once required hours of manual investigative work can now be accomplished in minutes.This technology has already demonstrated significant value in protecting our community.

In one major investigation involving an individual wanted for a child sexual crime, LPR data assisted investigators in tracking vehicle activity associated with the suspect. With this information, investigators learned that the suspect, who had previously fled the country to avoid prosecution, returned to the Alamogordo area. By leveraging LPR technology, investigators quickly identified the suspect’s presence within the local community and arrested him.

In another case, officers were investigating what was initially believed to be a stolen vehicle. Using LPR technology and investigative follow-up, officers quickly learned the vehicle had been legally repossessed. This prevented an unnecessary stolen vehicle report from being entered and saved valuable investigative time and resources.

Technology will never replace good police work, but it can greatly enhance it. For a rural department like ours, LPR technology helps us police with more precision while continuing our commitment to keeping the Alamogordo community safe.”