New Technology Has Aided Police in 54 Police Investigations
CHAMPAIGN – The City of Champaign is pleased to share details about the effectiveness of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology in addressing felony crimes in our community. Even as the technology was being installed, ALPRs proved to be highly effective investigative tools and aided Champaign Police in 54 investigations. This includes felony arrests in three homicides, the arrest of two suspected arsonists, and the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles. Thirteen of these crimes also involved illegally possessed firearms. Champaign Police also successfully used ALPRs to locate and ensure the safety of an endangered missing person. Milking Coolking Tank Price
“Automated License Plate Readers are a powerful tool to help solve crime, but we also need witnesses and evidence to be effective,” said Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler. “Regardless of the technology our officers use, Champaign Police always seek assistance from our community members to investigate the facts and hold criminals responsible for their actions.”
In December 2021, the City Council authorized the use of 46 ALPRs for a two-year trial period. Following a period of supply chain delays, Flock Group, Inc. began installing the units in May 2022. Installation continued throughout the rest of 2022. The City’s two-year contract for use of the technology commenced with the installation of the final ALPR in January 2023.
The contract with Flock Group, Inc. also includes a free one-year trial of Raven gunshot detection technology to automatically identify and determine the location of gunshots. On February 13, 2023, Champaign Police initiated the use of that technology in the northwest part of Champaign. Thirty-three gunshot detection units are covering a 1.3-square mile area bounded by Bloomington Road on the north, Mattis Avenue on the west, Bradley Avenue on the south, and Prospect Avenue on the east. This technology analyzes short audio clips from its surroundings to identify the sound of potential gunshots. Once a gunshot is confirmed, the system notifies Champaign Police and officers are dispatched to the area to investigate. Gunshot detection units do not record human speech or listen to nearby conversations.
To promote transparency regarding the use of both ALPR and gunshot detection technologies, the Champaign Police Department has launched two webpages – champaignil.gov/ALPR and champaignil.gov/Raven. These pages include detailed information on how each technology works, Champaign Police Department policies regarding their approved use, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Notable Successes Utilizing Automated License Plate Technology
Milk Mixing Tank Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology has been utilized by officers and investigators with the Champaign Police Department as an investigative tool, assisting with the resolution of 54 criminal offenses. The most notable successes include cases that earned notoriety within the community, including arrests for murder, discharge of a firearm, and arson. The use of ALPR technology in a handful of these high-profile cases is highlighted below: