Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)

Why we use ANPR

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is used within Kent to

• help detect, deter and disrupt criminality at a local, force, regional and national level
• tackle travelling criminals, organised crime groups and terrorists

ANPR provides lines of enquiry and evidence in the investigation of crime and is used by forces throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

How it works

As a vehicle passes a police monitored 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, where necessary, make arrests.  

The use of ANPR in this way has proved to be important in the detection of many offences, including

• locating stolen vehicles
• tackling uninsured vehicle use
• investigating cases of major crime

It also allows officers' attention to be drawn to offending vehicles whilst allowing law abiding drivers to go about their business unhindered.

Access to stored data

Our ANPR data is submitted to the National ANPR Data Centre (NADC) where it is stored together with similar data from other forces for a period of two years.

We have clear rules controlling access to ANPR data to ensure that access is for legitimate investigation purposes. Only officers and staff with appropriate training have access to ANPR data if it's relevant to their role, and they may normally only do so for a maximum period of 90 days from the date it was collected.

Access to data for up to two years will be subject to the authorisation of a senior officer. After 90 days, access may only be for priority and volume crime, serious, major or counter terrorism investigations and after 12 months only for major investigations and counter terrorism purposes.

Searches of ANPR data can confirm whether vehicles associated with a known criminal has been in the area at the time of a crime and can dramatically expedite investigations.

Camera locations

In addition to being mounted within police vehicles, police monitored ANPR cameras within Kent are used at fixed locations where they will help to detect, deter and disrupt criminality. In line with national policy, we do not disclose details of our fixed locations as this information is likely to be of benefit to offenders and if known could reduce the value of ANPR to policing.

National guidelines state that, if we propose to install additional ANPR cameras, an assessment must be conducted that demonstrates a clear need, taking account of the following factors:

• national security and counter terrorism 
• serious, organised and major crime
• local crime
• community confidence and reassurance, and crime prevention and reduction

In assessing whether new cameras are to be deployed, a Privacy Impact Assessment will be undertaken.

We will consult people and organisations with a reasonable interest in the proposal unless that would be contrary to the purpose of the development, namely to detect, deter and disrupt criminality.

More information

The Chief Constable is the data controller for the ANPR system operated within Kent Police.

For further information on how police use ANPR technology including national ANPR standards and the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice please visit National Police Chiefs' Council website.