Automated License Plate Readers, Body Worn Video, Digital In-Car Video System

Innovation Management Division

Commanding Officer - Captain Anthony Espinoza

100 West First Street, Suite 857
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 486-5228

Innovation Management Division (IMD) was established to seek out the best and most appropriate technological tools, systems and applications to support field operations and provide a connected framework which improves Department-wide access to information, reduces response times to calls for service, and increases safety, productivity and efficiency of officers in the field. Working together with the Department’s information technology personnel, we will strive to bring new and innovative ideas to completion.

Records Management Section (RMS) is responsible for overseeing the Department’s transition from a paper based records system to a modern computer cloud based records management system. The new system will utilize all the new technology that the Department has provided to our personnel, including smartphones, tablets, and computer workstations. Department personnel will be able to complete all types of electronic reports in the field and throughout every office in the Department. By creating a centralized digital database, redundant handling of reports will be reduced and reports will be available to internal personnel and the public in a quicker time period. The implementation of RMS will vastly improve the retrieval, retention, and viewing of all records, reports and information.

Tactical Technology Section (TTS) is responsible for seeking and reviewing new and emerging technology as well as evaluating its practical application to meet the goals of the Department. The primary function of TTS is to support the Department’s deployed technology initiatives including Body Worn Video (BWV), Digital In-Car Video System (DICVS) and our Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR).

Body Worn Video (BWV) was instituted to enhance:

  • Police operations and safety
  • Police reporting
  • Officer accountability
  • Investigation and resolution of personnel complaints, and
  • Documentation of evidence for criminal prosecution

BWV equipment generally consists of a body mounted camera with a built-in microphone and a separate handheld viewing device. The BWV camera is worn facing forward, on the outside of the uniform. The BWV recording are stored digitally on the camera’s internal memory and can be immediately viewed on department issued smartphone or once uploaded, may be viewed on any tablet or computer connected to the Department’s Local Area Network. The recordings cannot b e manipulated, altered, or deleted.

Digital In-Car Video System (DICVS) provides digital video and audio monitoring between officers and citizens. In effect, the DICVS assists officers in providing accurate depictions of events for courtroom testimony by capturing recordings of crimes in progress, the aftermath of crimes, and/or statements from suspects, victims, and witnesses.

Audio recordings ae obtained through wireless microphones (linked to the video system) that are worn on the officer’s person. The activation of the wireless microphone simultaneously activates the camera system with the push of a button. Two fixed video cameras are positioned on the interior of patrol vehicles: one forward facing inside the windshield and a second mounted to the ceiling in the rear passenger compartment. When the emergency light bar on a patrol vehicle is activated for more than eight seconds, the DICVS automatically begins recording. Officers can also manually activate the camera system utilizing the touch screen monitor inside the cabin of the vehicle.

The DICVS video and audio recordings are stored digitally and cannot be manipulated, altered, or deleted. Video footage from DICVS can be immediately viewed on a monitor within the patrol vehicle or once uploaded, may be viewed later on any computer that is connected to the Department’s Local Area Network.

Automated License Plate Recognition System (ALPRS) is a computerized database resulting from the operation of one or more mobile or fixed cameras (“ALPR Cameras”). When combined with computer algorithms, the ALPR System reads and conveys images of license plates and the characters they contain into computer-readable data. The data collected by the ALPR Cameras consists of a photo of the vehicle license plate, the date, time, and location of the photo was taken, and the identification number of the ALPR Camera capturing the information. The ALPR System records and stores data from license plates only. When used effectively and in accordance with the law, the LAPR data can be a valuable tool in solving crimes.

ALPR Usage and Privacy Policy (Special Order No. 31)

Read More