Knowledge Base

Police Department to Install License Plate Reader Cameras

Overview

The Georgetown Police Department uses license plate reader (LPR) cameras as a public safety tool to assist with law enforcement investigations and help identify vehicles connected to reported crimes.

The cameras capture license plate information from vehicles in designated areas and are used in accordance with department policies, applicable laws, and privacy protections.  The program provides officers with an additional investigative resource while maintaining safeguards for personal information. 

How License Plate Reader Cameras Work

License plate reader cameras capture still images of vehicles that pass through designated areas.  The cameras do not record video.

The cameras can collect information such as:

• License plate number

• Vehicle make and model

• Vehicle color

• Vehicle type, such as a car, truck, or SUV

• Other visible vehicle features, such as roof racks or vehicle damage

Based on Flock Safety's standard operating policy, license plate reader data is typically retained for 30 days and then automatically deleted unless a different retention period is required by law or approved through local policy.

What the Cameras Do Not Do

The cameras:

• Do not use facial recognition technology

• Cannot identify the person driving or passengers in a vehicle

• Do not record conversations

• Do not issue speeding tickets

How the Cameras Will Be Used

The Georgetown Police Department uses license plate reader cameras at designated locations throughout the city.

When appropriate, the system can compare license plate information with law enforcement databases.  This can help officers:

• Find stolen vehicles

• Locate wanted suspects

• Identify vehicles connected to crimes

• Develop leads during investigations

Even if a license plate cannot be read, officers may be able to search for a vehicle by its color, make, model, or other features.

The cameras are intended to help investigate crimes and locate suspects. They are not used to monitor people's daily activities.

Privacy and Security

Information collected by the cameras is managed by the Georgetown Police Department. 

Department policies address: 

• Who can access the information

• How long information is retained

• When information can be shared

• Employee training requirements

• Consequences for misuse

Every search in the system is recorded.  Audit records show:

• Who searched the system

• When the search happened

• Why the search was made

License plate reader cameras provide officers with an additional investigative tool to assist with reported crimes, locate stolen vehicles, and develop investigative leads.