Oppose Using Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)

The widespread use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement agencies is frightening. These systems capture images of all passing license plates, storing details such as location, date, and time, regardless of whether the vehicle or its occupants are suspected of any crime. Deploying ALPRs raises serious issues related to privacy, security, and civil liberties. Key Concerns: 1. Privacy Violations: ALPRs invade the privacy of law-abiding citizens by tracking their movements without consent or probable cause. The vast majority of data collected is on innocent individuals, creating a pervasive surveillance network. 2. Ineffectiveness in Crime Reduction: Research shows that ALPRs do not significantly reduce crime. Studies, including those cited by companies like Flock Safety, lack independent verification and often originate from biased sources. 3. Security Risks: ALPR systems have demonstrated critical security flaws, leading to data breaches and unauthorized access. For instance, Motorola Solutions' ALPR system was found to have vulnerabilities that allowed live data access, and Flock Safety exposed sensitive information due to misconfigured systems. 4. Abuse and Misuse: There are numerous documented cases of ALPRs being used for nefarious purposes, such as tracking individuals without legal justification, stalking, and sharing data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), putting undocumented individuals at risk. 5. Racial Bias: ALPRs disproportionately surveil communities with higher densities of Black and brown people, reinforcing systemic racism in policing. Studies have shown that ALPRs are more likely to scan license plates in these communities, leading to discriminatory policing practices. 6. False Positives and Dangerous Encounters: ALPR errors have led to dangerous police interactions, including pulling guns on innocent drivers. These mistakes can have severe consequences, causing fear and harm to individuals wrongly identified. I urge you to: * Immediately stop deploying and using ALPRs until comprehensive privacy protections and independent oversight mechanisms are established. * Enact legislation that prohibits using ALPR data for purposes other than investigating specific crimes, with strict guidelines on data retention and sharing. * Conduct independent reviews of ALPR technology to assess its effectiveness, security, and impact on civil liberties. * Ensure transparency by making all data collected by ALPRs publicly accessible and providing clear explanations for any data sharing with third parties. Your constituents stand together to demand accountability and protection against the unchecked use of ALPRs. We call for a future where our right to privacy is respected and our communities are safe from invasive surveillance. For more information, visit https://deflock.me/what-is-an-alpr