The Use of License Plate Recognition Systems in Civil Guard Practice

Abstract

Introduction: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are key technological tools in 21^st century law enforcement. Initially applied exclusively by professional law enforcement agencies, advances in technology and digital data processing have enabled their use in civil crime prevention within strict legal and data protection frameworks. In Hungary, the Civil Guard plays a central role in this process, contributing voluntarily as a strategic partner of the police to maintaining public and traffic safety.

Objective: This study aims to present how ANPR systems integrate into the tasks of the Civil Guard, the practical benefits they provide in crime prevention, and the legal, data protection, organizational, and ethical conditions influencing their effective operation.

Methodology: The research adopts a law enforcement science perspective, complementing the analysis of domestic Civil Guard experiences with international, primarily Anglo-Saxon, literature examples. Practical case studies illustrate the advantages and limitations of ANPR applications.

Results: When applied within proper frameworks, ANPR systems significantly strengthen the preventive role of the Civil Guard, improve the detection of stolen or unauthorized vehicles, and support police crime prevention and investigative work. Personal presence and community networks remain indispensable for effective operations.

Conclusion: Integrating ANPR systems into the work of the Civil Guard contributes to enhancing public and traffic safety, but they exert real impact only under appropriate legal, data protection, and organizational conditions.