Are License-Plate Scanners A Great Cop Tool Or An Invasion Of Privacy?

The four small cameras blend in with the overhead lights on top of Macomb County Sheriff’s Deputy Derek Elsey’s patrol car.

But the little infrared devices can do big things — capturing the license plate numbers of passing cars and continuously running them through a database, letting Elsey know if there is a “hit” on a possible stolen car or wanted suspect.

While license plate readers aren’t standard equipment for law enforcement agencies, their use is growing in Michigan and in other states. Grant money often helps agencies buy the systems, which can cost $10,000 to more than $20,000. The readers can be affixed to vehicles, bridges, overpasses and at border crossings

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Agent009 - 11/1/2013 12:56:07 PM

+3 Boost

Isn't there is an automatic assumption of guilt in scanning of plates?

monster - 11/1/2013 1:05:08 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. So you are treated as a suspect/criminal until proven innocent.

MorePower - 11/2/2013 7:19:23 PM

+1 Boost

No, there is not! While we may not like it, the ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle is a PRIVILEGE and NOT A RIGHT. As such, one of the conditions of operating a vehicle is that the owner/operator must have those plates clearly visible for authorities.

If you don't want your license plates scanned, DO NOT DRIVE!

Vorana - 11/1/2013 6:45:34 PM

+1 Boost

Not a good trend,.but take heart,..whatever they know about us,...we can know about them too. Privacy, or the lack of it, cuts both ways.
These days one can get virtually anything on anyone. It just requires the tools.

aussie2u - 11/4/2013 9:11:26 PM

+1 Boost

The scanners are here to stay because they generate revenue. I can remember when you had to be presented a ticket in person by the officer citing you. Nowadays the mailman delivers your infractions, sometimes weeks or even months later, being generated from an automated machine who supposedly nabbed you. As long as we accept these changes as "technological improvements", we will continue to see more and more.