New License Plate Reading Cameras Installed in Atlantic County, NJ
Hamilton Township, N.J. — It appears that automatic license plate reading cameras have recently been installed along a busy highway in the heart of Atlantic County.
First, let's define what this technology does and why some people find it unsettling.
Automatic license plate reading cameras are just that -- relatively small cameras that are mounted along the side of a road, and all they do, sometimes thousands of times a day, is take pictures of every vehicle that drives by.
And like everything else, there's a good side and a dark side to this technology.
How NJ Police Use License Plate Cameras
"ALPRs," as they are often called, can aid law enforcement agencies. For example, they can track cars entering and leaving an area, and if a wanted or stolen vehicle passes one of those cameras, cops can be alerted to its location. That's a good thing.
But taken one step further, it can get a little creepy for some people.
While one picture of your car might not be that big of a deal, when that image is paired with those from dozens of other cameras from across South Jersey and beyond, patterns can emerge that reveal where you frequently travel, what vehicle you drive, and, in some cases, routines about your daily life.
And the part that concerns privacy advocates is this: Who has access to all of this data? A warrant is often not needed by law enforcement to search all of this information, and there is no way for you to opt out.
But it's not just license plates that these cameras surveil. Modern ALPR systems can also catalog characteristics of a vehicle, including roof racks, bumper stickers, damage, and other unique features. Suddenly, your average-looking tan-colored SUV becomes a much more identifiable vehicle.
Of course, the argument arises that if you aren't doing anything illegal, you have nothing to worry about.
But privacy isn't about hiding behind the notion that these cameras help solve crimes. It's about having control over who knows where you go and when. Would you be comfortable with your local police department publishing every place you and your car went for the last year?
I could debate the pros and cons of this topic all day long (and we certainly welcome your comments on our Facebook page), but for those driving across Atlantic County, there are two new cameras in Hamilton Township.
Where Are License Plate Cameras in Hamilton Township, NJ?
Within the past couple of weeks, two cameras went up at the Black Horse Pike and Malaga Road, not too far from the Hubcap Pyramid.
What's interesting about these is how tiny they are, and they're mounted in such a way to make them surprisingly inconspicuous.
Chances are, you'll drive right past these cameras and never notice them.
And, no, these aren't the traffic cameras that you sometimes see on TV. Those cameras are on big poles like this one, which you can watch online.
Love them or hate them, these cameras aren't going away anytime soon.
The next time you're driving along the Black Horse Pike near Malaga Road, take a look. Once you know what you're looking for, you'll probably start noticing these cameras in other places, too...
South Jersey Drivers are Being Tracked by License Plate Cameras
Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman
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Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman
Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com
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