[Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car

[Alan Henney]

Here is a response from Corinne Geller, VSP spokeswoman:
________________________________________
From: Geller, Corinne
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 9:51 AM
To: Henney, Alan
Subject: RE: VSP video cameras on car?

Alan,

Well, kudos to your alert and resourceful viewer! What he saw was one
of
five (I think) license-plate scanners VSP has statewide. The
scanners/cameras are affixed to the trunk of a patrol vehicle and can
scan several hundred plates in a few minutes. When the trooper begins
his/her shift, he downloads an updated listing of reported stolen
plates
and vehicles from across the nation. The computer then references that
listing when scanning license plates. If the license plate reader
"hits"
on a plate, then the trooper must contact the reporting agency for
additional information on the theft. The only info a trooper gets from
a
"hit" is that the plate has been reported stolen...the trooper does
not
get registration info or personal info related to that tag.

Our Insurance Fraud and Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) programs
purchased and manage the readers.

Give me a call if you want more info...or if you're interested in
doing
a story.

Thanks,

Corinne Geller | Virginia State Police | Public Relations Manager