Panasonic Enhances Digital Video Solution for Law Enforcement with Automatic License Plate Recognition Capability

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, the leader in durable, reliable mobile computing and digital video recording (DVR) solutions for public safety agencies, today announced the availability of automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) through its Toughbook Arbitrator rugged, reliable in-car video solution. This new capability, delivered through the integration of the PlateScan ALPR system from Civica Software, enables agencies to leverage their investments in digital video solutions to proactively identify vehicles of interest during routine patrols.

Typically, in-car video systems are triggered to record specific events. With the new PlateScan ALPR functionality, the Toughbook Arbitrator system will be enabled to constantly scan license plates, comparing them automatically against multiple local, regional, state and federal databases of interest to law enforcement. Officers will be alerted audibly and visually when a positive match is made so that appropriate action can be taken.

Every license plate scanned by the system is also date, time and GPS encoded. These data can be downloaded wirelessly, consolidated on a single server and analyzed using Civica Software's suite of crime information management tools for post-incident investigation or other requirements.

"This new solution is another example of our commitment to helping agencies deploy cost-effective solutions that streamline their operations and help them in their core mission of fighting crime," said Jan Ruderman, Director, Public Sector, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "The integration of ALPR functionality offers Toughbook Arbitrator users a more powerful policing tool at a fraction of the cost of multi-camera license plate recognition systems."

"Combining the power of our plate recognition software with a law enforcement technology leader like Panasonic makes great sense for agencies nationwide," added Martin Alper, Chairman of Civica Software. "Panasonic digital video solutions provide a cost-effective method for managing information captured when incidents occur. Adding this powerful ALPR capability to the Toughbook Arbitrator provides even greater justification to switch to a digital solution."

The Toughbook Arbitrator with ALPR functionality will be on display at the 30th Annual IACP Law Enforcement Information Management (LEIM) Conference, June 5-9, 2006 in Grapevine, Texas, Hall E. The solution is available now through Panasonic resellers nationwide.

About Civica Software

Civica Software is a privately held Newport Beach, California and New York City based company that has been a leader in developing and distributing technology products for law enforcement. With both automatic license plate recognition (PlateScan(TM)) and tactical crime information sharing (CrimeConnect(TM)) products, Civica Software has provided public safety agencies with efficient and cost-effective tools to help solve crime. PlateScan incorporates license plate recognition technology licensed from Appian Technologies, PLC, UK. Established in 1997, Civica Software also develops and implements Web-based tools, such as content management and citizen relationship management systems for local, regional and state governments.

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. . Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook(R) line of notebook computers for thirteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to thin and light semi-rugged notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita Electric and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users-from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses-rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.