Police now have iCOPS to watch for errant motorists
MALAYMAILONLINE
PETALING JAYA, Dec 29 — Police have increased the number of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (iCOPS) devices in another attempt to keep errant motorists in check.
Some 60 iCOPS have been installed in patrol cars and at strategic locations nationwide this year, bringing the total number to 500.
The system is linked to the Road Transport Department’s database.
The cameras are placed on various locations — booth, hood or roof — on the patrol car and are linked to a device which enables the police to obtain information regarding a vehicle and the owner instantly.
This is in addition to 6,000 personnel using mobile applications that provide details of the previous records of motorists, if any, and cameras used to record offenders on the spot.
Hailing iCOPS as a success, federal police said there were plans to integrate the system with the databases of other enforcement agencies such as the Customs and the Immigration Department.
Bukit Aman traffic police investigation and enforcement (operation) officer DSP Bakri Zainal Abidin said there were also plans to get the devices placed at more permanent and temporary “hotspots” nationwide starting next month.
The system's high-definition cameras capture and read the vehicle registration numbers, and those manning the system will then cross-check the details for any past record.
“It has been a good operation tool and is part of our effort to raise the level of effective policing in the country,” Bakri said.
“The system has enabled us to weed out bad hats on the roads. We’ve had success detecting cloned and smuggled vehicles as well as those with criminal records.”
He said when suspicion arose, the patrol unit would cross-check the details of the vehicle and stop the driver to perform further checks.
“If a person had been caught for drink driving and was booked while driving a particular vehicle, his or her details will be in the system,” he said.
“If we saw the motorist on the road in the same vehicle again, there is a chance our men will pull the driver over to conduct a breathalyser test.
“If a person has a traffic or criminal record, it will be registered in the system automatically and will follow the person to his or her grave.”
Bakri said the devices were being used throughout the year and not just during festivals as many planned to party in days before the New Year.
“We aim to zero in on traffic offenders. This is to show there are more eyes watching their every move while on the road,” he said.
