In today’s increasingly complex security landscape, businesses need reliable and precise tools to protect their assets and keep employees safe. One of the most critical components of a security program is the use of dedicated License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras to capture actionable evidence that will help apprehend bad actors. Many security programs rely heavily on video surveillance, which is often not enough to identify and prosecute criminals. This is because most video evidence is unstructured – meaning, it requires extensive manual review and analysis to find footage that’s usable for cases. While considering if LPR is right for your business, it’s important to understand the differences in performance and effectiveness of LPR solutions – namely dedicated LPR cameras versus video cameras with LPR capabilities.

The Importance of Proper Camera Placement for Effective License Plate Reading

When it comes to capturing license plate data, camera location is everything. Exterior video cameras provide broad coverage and are often mounted on buildings and pointed at entrances. Dedicated LPR cameras, on the other hand, are strategically placed around the perimeter of a property — directly aimed at the back of vehicles. This ensures that you’re always capturing license plate data as vehicles enter or exit. 

Adding LPR capabilities to exterior video cameras may seem like a logical solution, but this approach often overlooks significant limitations in angle and coverage. Rear license plates are required in all 50 US states, while only about half of states require front plates. Therefore, cameras positioned on buildings often miss critical vehicle data because they can’t reliably capture the back of a vehicle from these angles.

Why Video Cameras Fall Short in Capturing Actionable Vehicle Details

Video cameras are designed for real-time monitoring and not for capturing vehicle details. While they do a good job at providing a broad overview of a scene, they often lack the specialized capabilities needed to accurately read license plates. This is especially the case in dark and low-light environments or with fast-moving vehicles.

Flock Safety’s Falcon LPR cameras are built solely for license plate recognition. They are equipped with specialized hardware and software, such as Vehicle Fingerprint Technology and Night Vision, enabling them to capture high-quality images of the back of vehicles in any scenario. Falcon also excels at capturing details such as vehicle make, alterations, covered plates, paper plates, and even no plates — areas where video cameras cannot compete.

The Power of an LPR Network: Enhancing Security Through Data Sharing

One of the biggest advantages of Flock’s dedicated LPR system is its ability to integrate into a nationwide network. Flock Safety’s Falcon LPR cameras are used by more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, and we make it easy for businesses and neighborhoods to share their camera data directly with local authorities. This helps identify known suspects, deescalate potential incidents, and ensure a rapid, coordinated response in the event of violence.

Imagine handing the police a grainy video of a red Honda Accord from a video camera – now, compare that to providing them with a high-quality, detailed image captured by an LPR camera. The difference is clear: one is usable, and one is not. Law enforcement can leverage the detailed LPR image to search their network for the exact vehicle, focusing on minute details like dents or stickers and quickly link it to any open investigations. 

Investing in dedicated LPR cameras is not just about capturing license plates – it’s about creating a comprehensive security system that is accurate and actionable. For more information on how our LPR technology can benefit your business, check out our success stories here.