Law enforcement officials defend automated license plate reader technology

Law enforcement officials in Cleveland and Massachusetts are defending the use of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology amid growing privacy concerns and calls for regulation.

In Cleveland, the Community Police Commission voted to pause the use of ALPR technology by January 2027, citing potential misuse of data. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd challenged the decision, arguing that concerns regarding misuse in other jurisdictions should not be assumed to apply to the Cleveland Police Department. Chief Todd noted that existing policies established in October 2025 already include limits on data retention, restrictions on historical searches, and annual training audits.

In Massachusetts, Public Safety Secretary Gina Kwon testified that while ALPR technology is a vital investigative tool used to solve kidnappings and murders, it may require a ‘PR makeover’ to better communicate its successes alongside privacy protections. Kwon suggested that misuse typically involves individual officers using the tool for non-investigative purposes rather than systemic flaws. The ACLU of Massachusetts reports that 25 municipalities in the state have canceled contracts with Flock Safety or ended pilot programs over the last 18 months.