Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Automated license plate readers have become an invaluable tool in identifying suspects and witnesses in interstate shootings. In 82% of interstate shootings this year, according to ISP data, ALPRs have helped identify an individual involved in or a witness to the shooting. ​ For fatal interstate shootings, ALPRs have assisted in 100% of the cases. As a result, ISP plans to install additional cameras in several counties, including Sangamon County, in 2024.

“The use of automated license plate readers has been a game changer in investigating interstate shootings, as well as vehicular hijackings and thefts,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ​ “They provide us vital leads for our investigation, allowing us to track the events immediately leading up to and following the shootings to identify the vehicle involved. ​ The license plate readers are an invaluable tool that assists us in identifying violent crime suspects.”

ISP credits the technology with helping to identify offending vehicles within minutes and can potentially locate the vehicle within a few hours. ISP provided the following recent examples where ALPR technology has assisted troopers:

  • Special agents investigating a fatal interstate shooting identified and interviewed a witness who indicated the driver of a vehicle shot at the victim in what appeared to be a road rage incident. ​ Using ALPRs, ISP was able to identify the vehicle and the investigation ultimately resulted in charges of First Degree Murder and Unauthorized Use of a Weapon by a Felon.
  • A trooper monitoring the ALPRs received an alert of a stolen vehicle. ​ The trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, at which time the vehicle sped away. ​ When the vehicle stopped, everyone in the vehicle took off running. ​ One person had a rifle inside their waistband and was taken into custody. ​ In searching the path of another person running, ISP found two additional firearms.
  • ISP received a report of an alleged vehicle hijacking. ​ In an attempt to identify a suspect, special agents spoke with a witness and after reviewing ALPR images during the time of the alleged hijacking, special agents confirmed the vehicle had not been hijacked, but instead was involved in a police pursuit with another agency and a hit and run crash the night of the alleged hijacking.
  • ISP responded to an interstate shooting where the victim was almost struck in the head by a bullet. ​ Troopers entered the victim’s registration into the ALPRs, and with ALPR intelligence, were able to identify the offending vehicle. A few hours later, troopers received an ALPR alert of that vehicle and were able to locate it. ​ Troopers initiated a traffic stop and took the driver into custody, during which time they found a loaded firearm inside the driver’s waistband.
  • A trooper monitoring ALPRs received an alert of a stolen vehicle. ​ The trooper located the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, at which time the vehicle sped off. ​ Ultimately, ISP was able to recover the vehicle and took two people into custody and recovered five firearms.

ISP estimates the agency has been able to take action in at least 260 cases in the first five months of 2024 due to the use of ALPRs.