Deregistered drivers, unregistered vehicles and people wanted on warrants are being identified much more quickly, since two Wimmera police vehicles were fitted with new technology in March.
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One vehicle in each of Horsham and Ararat has been fitted with 360-degree camera technology, that scans number plates on parked and moving vehicles going in any direction.
Superintendent Paul Margetts said the early results had been "outstanding".
"Previously when we were doing these checks via radio, our units would be able to check up to 20 cars in an eight-hour shift," he said.
"With the new technology we can check 20 vehicles in ten minutes. At this point there are just the two cars fitted with this technology but in the future the plan is to get more fitted up with that tech.
Supt Margetts said the cameras also helped locate people with outstanding warrants out against them.
"The number plate makes the connection to the registered owner, and then we can check the licence status and any history of warrants," he said.
Acting Sergeant Heath Martin said the Horsham car had so far scanned more than 60,000 vehicles, detecting 1500 in breach of the law.
He said a second Horsham vehicle was to be fitted with the technology later this month, and all four in the Horsham fleet would receive it by 2021.
Under Victorian law, people can receive up to 25 penalty units for driving an unregistered vehicle if it is their first offence
LegalAid says one penalty unit is worth $165.22.
New vests and cameras
Supt Margetts said Highway Patrol's enhanced capabilities came as Wimmera police took ownership of new ballistic vests, body worn cameras and mobile tablets for entering details from witnesses into Victoria Police's system while in the field.
"The vests are lighter and more functional, and they're designed as a carriage system for police equipment like the cameras, which attach to the exterior of the vest," he said.
"The modernisation of the way we deliver services is definitely welcomed. Technology-focused equipment provides effectiveness in the way we do our jobs."
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