The Highway Patrol is testing new technology that will spot a stolen car within seconds, even if it’s moving away from the trooper.
Two of the 20-thousand dollar units are being tested in the Springfield and Poplar Bluff troops, scanning license plates of moving vehicles.
As soon as troopers get into their cars, they use the wireless internet to download stolen vehicle information compiled daily by the state revenue department. Patrol spokesman Tim Hull says the two units have not turned up any stolen vehicles yet, but they’ve proven to be a valuable tool.
“It searches that data base…It’s got a four camera system and they can scan those [plates] going away from them or coming towards them,” Hull says.
Some cities are testing the license plate scanners,too.
Hull says they’re also safety devices for officers who will know within seconds if they have stopped a stolen car….and therefore have a better idea of the way to approach the vehicle and its driver.
Hull says the tests of the scanners are encouraging enough that the Patrol is likely to equip more of its cars with the devices.
Bob Priddy interviews Capt.Hull 8:50
