Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

The Barrington Hills Police Department uses ALPR technology to capture objective evidence while maintaining a strong commitment to protecting individual privacy. Our use of this technology includes: Real-time alerts to identify hotlist vehicles, including those connected to wanted criminals, stolen vehicles, and vehicles listed in AMBER or SILVER Alerts. Retroactive search to assist in solving crimes after they occur. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Barrington Hills Police Department has established policies and procedures governing the use of this technology.

How ALPR Technology Works

The ALPR system captures computer-readable images of license plates and vehicles. The data collected contains the date, time, and location where the photo was captured. There is no personally identifiable information contained in this data. The system does NOT capture or store images of drivers or passengers, nor information associated with a vehicle’s registration.

The ALPR system compares the license plate data against a list maintained by the State of Illinois and the Barrington Hills Police Department. This list contains license plate values associated with certain vehicles, such as stolen motor vehicles; vehicles associated with missing persons, and vehicles entered into the list as being associated with criminal activity. If there is a match on a vehicle, the system alerts police dispatch and officers in real time through the in-car computer system.

It is important to note that although the term ALPR includes the term automated when an alert is generated, an officer will independently validate that the system has accurately read the license plate, that the plate observed matches the alert, and that the alert is still active.

Frequently asked questions