PSNI Interceptor squad being deployed on roads

THE PSNI have announced the deployment of a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Intercept Team, who will use cars equipped with special technology to detect the vehicle registrations of those committing or suspected of committing crime.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Sep 2020, 13:42 BST

It was confirmed this week that the new specialist teams will be deployed across the Northern Ireland road network.

T/Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts said the establishment of this new team is “part of the ongoing evolution and upgrade of our ANPR technology”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The vehicles will use a combination of live time information and intelligence reports to identify, intercept and disrupt criminals as part of reactive and proactive operational activity, he said, adding:

“ANPR cameras work by automatically reading registration numbers of passing vehicles, which are instantly checked against database records of vehicles, which are suspected to be used by criminals. Police officers can use this information to intercept and stop a vehicle, check it for evidence and, where necessary and appropriate, make arrests,” he said. adding:

“The ANPR Intercept Team has been established with advanced driver officers drawn from the roads policing unit who have undergone the latest specialist tactical pursuit and containment (TPAC) tactical training.

“The new team will enable police officers to focus their attention on offending vehicles and allow law abiding drivers to go about their business, safely and unhindered.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

ANPR technology, which reads and retains vehicle registration plates, is used by the PSNI in both a fixed and mobile capacity throughout Northern Ireland.

As a vehicle passes an ANPR camera, its registration number is read and instantly checked against database records of vehicles of interest.

Police officers can intercept and stop a vehicle, check it for evidence and make arrests.