Berkeley PD touts early success of license plate readers

(KRON) -- An introductory period of Berkeley’s automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that began Oct. 1 netted a dozen arrests and the recovery of nine stolen vehicles, according to the Berkeley Police Department. On Thursday, police announced that access to the system has opened up to the entire department.

The ALPR cameras are now in operation in 32 locations throughout Berkeley, which will expand to 52 locations as Caltrans finalizes permits. The rollout comes after a trial period that “helped officers identify suspects, recover stolen property, and resolve cases that might have stalled,” authorities said.

In one recent instance, Berkeley police touted that the cameras were able to track a burglary suspect’s vehicle as it returned to the area weeks after the suspected crimes. Officers were able to arrest the driver and recover the stolen items, according to authorities.

“This success took place before the system reached full deployment and clearly showed its potential to improve public safety,” the police department said.

The Berkeley City Council approved the ALPR cameras in July 2023.