By Matthew Hersh
As automated license-plate reader (ALPR) technology faces growing scrutiny nationally over privacy, data retention, and law-enforcement access, the Princeton Police Department is emphasizing that it does not use cameras made by Flock Safety, one of the country’s most prominent ALPR vendors.
Princeton does use ALPR technology, however, with Police Chief Matthew Solovay saying the department relies on equipment from a different, state-certified vendor. He said the department’s use of the technology is subject to requirements established by the New Jersey Attorney General, as well as oversight by the New Jersey State Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Flock is simply one vendor of ALPR technology,” Solovay said. “The Princeton Police Department does not use Flock technology or Flock cameras.”
ALPR systems automatically capture license-plate information from vehicles passing a camera. Solovay compared the basic function of Princeton’s system to an E-ZPass camera, saying the information can subsequently be used by authorized police personnel for law enforcement investigations.
The technology can assist police in investigating crimes, locating missing persons and children, and responding to critical incidents, he said.
Princeton’s system is governed by statewide rules intended to limit how the information can be accessed and used. According to Solovay, access is restricted to authorized personnel, and searches must be connected to a legitimate law enforcement purpose. A police investigation case number must be entered into the system when a search is conducted.
“Access is tracked and subject to review and audit, providing accountability regarding who is using the system and why,” said Solovay.
The retention of ALPR information is also governed by attorney general guidelines, rather than a retention period established independently by the Princeton Police Department, Solovay said.
Similarly, the sharing of ALPR information with other law-enforcement agencies is governed by statewide guidelines.
Concerns about ALPR systems have intensified nationally as Flock Safety has
expanded its network of cameras and law enforcement agencies have increasingly used ALPR technology to identify and track vehicles. Critics have raised questions about the amount of location data collected, how long it is retained, and how widely it can be shared among law enforcement agencies.
Solovay acknowledged those concerns, while noting that much of the recent national attention has involved practices and policies outside New Jersey.
“I certainly understand that ALPR technology is a concerning topic among some members of our community right now,” he said. “I think it is important to note, however, that much of the national attention surrounding ALPR technology has resulted from issues occurring outside of
New Jersey.”
One issue that has received particular attention is whether ALPR information can be accessed by federal agencies for immigration enforcement. Solovay said Princeton does not share ALPR information with federal agencies “for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement.”
“Our purpose in utilizing ALPR technology is straightforward: to help keep our community safe and provide our investigators with another tool to solve crimes, locate missing people, and respond to critical incidents,” said Solovay.
He said New Jersey’s statewide requirements provide significant safeguards governing the technology.
“I remain confident that, when utilized appropriately and within those safeguards, ALPR technology is a valuable tool that helps the Princeton Police Department protect our community and investigate crime,” Solovay said.