Kearney Police Department Enhances Community Safety with the addition of Mobile Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

The Kearney Police Department announces the addition of mobile Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to its fleet of police cars, significantly expanding our capability to prevent and solve crimes in real-time. This new integration includes 30 Motorola Vigilant M500 Mobile ALPR systems, installed directly in police cruisers, which enable officers to scan license plates while patrolling the city.   This technology is being introduced as part of the Assigned Vehicle Program, made possible thanks to a generous donation by a local non-profit foundation. 

Since 2022, KPD has effectively utilized 28 mounted Flock Safety ALPR cameras at fixed locations throughout the city and county, proving to be invaluable tools in crime prevention, suspect apprehension, and investigative efforts. Now, with mobile ALPR capabilities, KPD officers can receive real-time information through in-car video systems, helping them identify suspects, track stolen vehicles, and uncover additional evidence of criminal activity directly from their vehicles. In just one day of testing, the system successfully led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle from Broken Bow and revealed evidence connected to additional criminal activities.

ALPR technology helps officers conduct thorough investigations by capturing objective details such as license plates and vehicle descriptions, which are crucial in building strong cases. Additionally, the system alerts officers when a vehicle is linked to missing or endangered individuals, as well as AMBER alerts, which enhances our ability to assist in critical, time sensitive situations.