Every year, automated license plate recognition technology gets more
sophisticated and more positive coverage in news outlets around the world. Yet every year, professionals at small-to-midsize law enforcement agencies continue to question if an ALPR system is a nice-to-have or a need-to-have for an agency of their size.

Among the many clients Leonardo serves in the ALPR business, parking management is a huge one. From large parking operations across an entire municipality to independent structures with just a few lots, our ALPR parking integration software can add an invaluable force multiplier.

If you already know Jim Craige, you'd probably say he's an exceptional salesperson and conversationalist, dedicated to Leonardo's mission and products. (His team couldn't agree more.) Did you also know he's an avid photographer and a retired sergeant? 

True crime stories that demonstrate the power and need for license plate readers are in the news often; we feature many of them right here on the blog. But we can't help but get just as excited when a Netflix series calls them out too—especially when it's a series that's based on a true story. Enter 'Unbelievable.'

Ask any agency how they were able to afford their ALPR technology, and chances are they'll say through grant funds.

You have no doubt heard the disturbing story of a man breaking into Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg's home during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, New York in December, stabbing several victims. The story drew national attention, with people from all over the world showing their support and solidarity across social media.

As much as we stand by our technology and the services they provide to communities near and far, we're nothing without a strong team. After all, everyone knows that people don't just buy products. They invest in relationships, experiences, and companies that let them know they matter. 

While our ELSAG team could go on and on about the efficacy and benefits of LPRs, it's important for you to hear it from others too. Not only can third-party testimonials from across the U.S.—whether they're from our clients or not—give you relatable insights, they can make your conversations with others (the powers that be, perhaps) more credible and convincing. 

Sometimes, you're in the right place at the right time with your ALPR system—like this one officer in Horseheads, NY, who was tipped off during a routine sweep. The incident lead to not just one, but two arrests. 

As much as the team behind Leonardo’s ELSAG ALPR systems could tell you about the proven benefits of automatic license plate recognition, nothing compares to hearing from those who utilize the technology day in and day out.

So we recently checked in on the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office in Auburn, NY. Motivated by cost and time savings, as well as efficiency, the office acquired their first affixed ALPR systems in 2014 through grant funds.

Below are the collective responses of the office’s members who have vehicles equipped with an ALPR system. Take a look at their thoughts on the technology, how they’ve put it to work, and what they think is the nicest feature.