Waterbuffalo
07-20-2008, 06:50 PM
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/472025.html
ANNA WALTERS
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Washington State Patrol is testing a camera system that automatically checks the license plates of every vehicle entering two of the state’s busiest ferry terminals.
Vehicles entering the ferry terminals at Colman Dock in Seattle or Bainbridge Island will have their license plates photographed and checked against a Department of Licensing database to see:
> If it’s stolen.
> If it’s part of an AMBER Alert.
> If someone associated with the vehicle is wanted for a serious crime.
> If the license plate is associated with a known or suspected terrorist.
If a match is made, an alarm at a Washington State Patrol command center notifies troopers, who then go to the scene.
In eight to 10 months, the State Patrol will assess the system and may seek funding to expand it to other ferry terminals.
ANNA WALTERS
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Washington State Patrol is testing a camera system that automatically checks the license plates of every vehicle entering two of the state’s busiest ferry terminals.
Vehicles entering the ferry terminals at Colman Dock in Seattle or Bainbridge Island will have their license plates photographed and checked against a Department of Licensing database to see:
> If it’s stolen.
> If it’s part of an AMBER Alert.
> If someone associated with the vehicle is wanted for a serious crime.
> If the license plate is associated with a known or suspected terrorist.
If a match is made, an alarm at a Washington State Patrol command center notifies troopers, who then go to the scene.
In eight to 10 months, the State Patrol will assess the system and may seek funding to expand it to other ferry terminals.