RPD Policy 46.2: Automated License Plate Recognitions Systems

(41.3.9)

  1. Purpose
    The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the proper use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems.
  2. Policy
    ALPR systems have provided many opportunities for enhancement of productivity, effectiveness, and officer safety. It is the policy of the Department that all authorized employees abide by the guidelines set forth herein when using ALPR systems.
  3. Definitions
    1. Automated License Plate Recognition ALPR: Specialized camera systems and associated software designed to read, store and check license The ALPR systems can be mounted to a patrol vehicle (Mobile), stationary/fixed, handheld, or deployed by other means.
    2. Alert: a visual and/or auditory notice that is triggered when the ALPR system receives a potential “hit” on a license plate.
    3. Detection Metadata: A license plate or other identification number that is captured or derived from an ALPR system, including but not limited to the license plate number, photographic image of the plate and vehicle, date and time of capture, geographic location or GPS coordinates, and any available vehicle descriptors.
    4. Hot Lists: A database of license plate numbers associated with stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing persons, AMBER or similar alerts, or other vehicles of legitimate law-enforcement interest that is regularly updated and compared against ALPR detections.
    5. Hit: A detection matched to a plate that has previously been registered on a “hot list” of vehicle plates related to stolen vehicles, wanted vehicles, or other factors supporting investigation, or which has been manually registered by a user for further investigation.
    6. LEARN: Law Enforcement Archival and Reporting Network
    7. OCR: Optical Character Recognition
    8. READ: Digital images of license plates and vehicles and associated metadata (e.g., date, time, and geographic coordinates associated with the vehicle image capture) that are captured by the ALPR
    9. Stationary Fixed ALPR System: ALPR cameras that are permanently affixed to a structure, within an intersection such as a pole, a traffic barrier, a building or a bridge.
    10. Mobile ALPR System: ALPR cameras that are affixed, either permanently or temporarily to a law enforcement vehicle for mobile deployment.
    11. TAS (Target Alerting Service): Software designed to allow trained personnel to monitor hits generated from ALPR systems.
  4. Responsibility
    1. The Support Services Division (SSD) Commander or his designee has the authority to issue and or approve ALPR devices.
    2. Access to ALPR data will be regulated by the SSD Commander or his designee. Data stored on the server will be retained for a minimum of seven (7) days.
    3. Only individuals who have been properly trained will be authorized to use the ALPR
    4. All ALPR system repairs, hardware or software, shall be made only by authorized vendors or employees authorized by the SSD Commander or his designee.
    5. The SSD Commander will maintain a compete inventory of all ALPR equipment including assignment
    6. The SSD Commander will be responsible for overseeing the development and administration of the training process for assuring proficiency of instructors and operators with the ALPR.
  5. Procedures
    ALPR systems and ALPR data are the property of this Department and intended for use in conducting official business. ALPR systems, associated equipment, and databases are authorized for official public safety purposes only.

    1. Automated License Plate Recognition System Usage
      ALPR systems shall be used only for official law-enforcement purposes consistent with this policy and Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-22). The same restrictions apply regardless of the ALPR system used. Acceptable uses include, but shall not be limited to; Missing persons, apprehension of known criminal suspects, recovery of stolen property, enforcement of stay-away-orders, and apprehension of individuals pursuant to an outstanding arrest warrant.

      1. ALPR data may be accessed and used during internal
      2. Any Employee who intentionally or negligently misuses the ALPR system in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including Additionally, misuse could constitute a criminal offense.
    2. Only ALPR devices authorized by the Department will be approved for
    3. A valid reason shall always be provided when conducting a search or query within the ALPR system. When applicable, a case number should also be provided.
    4. An ALPR “hit” shall not be used as the sole reason for a traffic stop or enforcement contact until all provisions contained in this section have been Contact with the vehicle and its occupants will only be made after the “hit” is confirmed.
      1. The officer receiving the notification must first visually verify that the Hot List entry matches the digital image displayed by the If, for any reason the information does not match, the “hit” will be rejected. If, however, the information does match, the “hit” will be accepted and the officer will verify the “hit” through NCIC/GCIC.
      2. After verifying the “hit” the officer will then take appropriate action based on the
  6. Training
    1. Prior to accessing an ALPR system for law enforcement purposes, all employees will be properly trained and demonstrate proficiency.
      1. Training will be based on manufacturers’
      2. Training will include at a minimum:
        1. Set-up and maintenance procedures;
        2. Proper use guidelines;
        3. Legal issues involved with the use of the ALPR Device;
        4. Reporting requirements; and
        5. Department policy
    2. All ALPR training will be documented and forwarded to the Training
  7. Data Security, Access, Storage and Retention
    The Roswell Police Department utilizes several databases for data security, access, storage, and retention of ALPR detections.

    1. Data Security Access and Retention:
      1. Use of these databases is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel
      2. RPD authorized users share Detection Metadata and have access to data generated by other agencies, through use of the databases.
      3. Information gathered, collected, or retained by ALPR systems shall not be sold, accessed, or used for any purpose other than legitimate law enforcement or public safety objectives.
      4. All ALPR data used in conjunction with an open law enforcement investigation shall be considered evidence and must be properly documented and preserved in accordance with Department policy.
      5. Non-evidentiary ALPR data shall be retained for a period not to exceed 30 days and thereafter automatically purged from the system.
      6. Pursuant to C.G.A. §35-1-22(f), captured ALPR data shall not be subject to public disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act.
  8. Auditing
  9. The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) Commander or his designee will complete monthly audits to ensure compliance with this policy and applicable Audit findings and any corrective actions shall be documented.