VACP Statement on the Responsible Use of Automated License Plate Recognition Technology

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) supports the responsible use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology as an important public safety and investigative tool for Virginia law enforcement.

ALPR technology can help law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles associated with serious crimes, find missing and endangered persons, develop investigative leads, connect criminal activity across jurisdictions, and use limited public safety resources more effectively. When used appropriately, this technology provides Virginia law enforcement agencies with information that can help protect victims, officers, and communities.

VACP also recognizes that the use of ALPR technology must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards that protect privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and public trust.

Virginia has established a comprehensive statutory framework governing law enforcement's use of ALPR technology. VACP supports that framework, including Virginia's current 21-day retention period for ALPR system data. We believe the 21-day standard provides a reasonable balance between preserving the investigative value of ALPR information and ensuring that information is not retained indefinitely without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

VACP supports continuing Virginia's current 21-day retention standard.

Just as importantly, retention is only one component of responsible ALPR use. VACP supports a framework that includes:

• Clear written agency policies defining authorized uses of ALPR technology and data;
• Access limited to trained and authorized personnel for legitimate law enforcement and public safety purposes;
• Documented queries tied to an authorized law enforcement purpose;
• Verification of ALPR alerts before enforcement action is taken, recognizing that an ALPR alert is an investigative lead and not, by itself, proof of criminal activity;
• Strong security and access controls protecting ALPR information;
• Audit trails and regular supervisory review to identify and deter improper access or use;
• Responsible information sharing among authorized law enforcement agencies for legitimate public safety purposes;
• Compliance with Virginia's 21-day retention requirement and applicable exceptions for information associated with ongoing investigations or proceedings; and
• Meaningful consequences for intentional misuse or unauthorized access.

These safeguards are not theoretical. Virginia law restricts the purposes for which law enforcement may use ALPR systems, requires audit trails and regular internal audits, establishes data-security requirements, limits the sharing and sale of ALPR information, requires public reporting, and establishes criminal penalties for certain intentional misuse.

VACP believes Virginia should continue to allow law enforcement agencies to use ALPR technology within this established framework. The appropriate response to concerns about emerging technology is not to eliminate effective public safety tools, but to establish clear rules for their responsible use and hold those who misuse them accountable.

Technology will continue to evolve, and law enforcement policy must evolve with it. VACP is committed to working with policymakers, community leaders, law enforcement professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure Virginia maintains an approach that protects individual privacy while giving law enforcement the responsible tools necessary to protect our communities.

Virginia's current approach demonstrates that public safety and privacy do not have to be competing objectives. With appropriate limits, transparency, oversight, and accountability, ALPR technology can serve both.