Los Angeles Co. Sheriff's Department Deploys License Plate Recognition

Oct. 19, 2007
Federal Signal's technology used by county's law enforcement

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill., Oct. 15 -- Federal Signal Corporation's Safety and Security Systems Group today announced that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has deployed FS PIPS automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology as an important component of its Advanced Surveillance and Protection Program (ASAP). ALPR continues to win attention in the public safety and security, parking and access control, and intelligent transportation markets.

"Law enforcement agencies like the LASD are increasingly seeking Federal Signal's innovative total-system solutions to solve mission critical public safety and security challenges," said David R. McConnaughey, president of Federal Signal's Safety and Security Systems Group. "The LASD has deployed our emergency vehicle lightbars, sirens and speaker systems in their fleet for many years, and we are delighted that they have selected our license plate recognition system. Our FS PIPS technology, which plugs into our Federal Signal interoperable industry platform, plays a key part in helping municipal and homeland security leaders protect people, property and the environment in communities around the world."

As one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the world, LASD sees great potential for ALPR. With an initial seven mobile systems deployed in patrol cars and four fixed cameras mounted at various locations throughout Los Angeles County, the agency plans to expand the system based on its early success. In the interest of interoperability, LASD has taken advantage of the networking functionality within the FS PIPS Back Office System Software (BOSS) to provide data sharing and multi-jurisdictional search capabilities.

Shortly after initial deployment of the FS PIPS system, Brian Bergman, Mayor of La Habra Heights, Calif., stated "We've already had two arrests under test mode, so obviously it's a great success."

Similar success was experienced in Compton, Calif., during the first 30 days of operation, which yielded the recovery of 88 stolen vehicles and numerous arrests. For example, a fixed camera located at a busy intersection alerted LASD to a stolen vehicle. Using the data from the FS PIPS system, LASD was able to identify and locate the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, who was in violation of parole, was arrested. The driver was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun, burglary tools and a box of stolen mail. The passenger in the vehicle was also arrested on an outstanding narcotics warrant. Customer success stories like this are the reason that FS PIPS technology is being adopted by leading law enforcement agencies around the world.

Captain Mike Smith of LASD summarized the benefits of the FS PIPS system by stating, "The technology strengthens public safety, helps deputies do a better job, and gives taxpayers more bang for their buck."

About FS PIPS

FS PIPS Technology, a Federal Signal Company, is a pioneer and the international market leader in the design and manufacture of automated license plate recognition technology and optical character recognition software. With over 12,000 cameras installed worldwide, PIPS continues to set the standard for both mobile and fixed system deployments across a wide range of applications. For more information visit http://www.pipstechnology.com.

About Federal Signal

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) is a leader in advancing security and well-being for communities and workplaces around the world. The company designs and manufactures a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers. Federal Signal's portfolio of trusted, high-priority products include Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, E-ONE fire apparatus, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners. In addition, the company operates consumable industrial tooling businesses. Federal Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.