The Amarillo Police Department (APD) is addressing public concerns regarding the use of license plate reader (LPR) technology, a system that has been operational in the city since July 2021. The LPRs automatically capture images of license plates as vehicles pass by, logging the plate numbers into a database to aid in criminal investigations.
Lt. Shane Chadwick, commander of the Amarillo Regional Crime Center, emphasized that the technology is designed to enhance public safety and provide officers with tools to combat crime effectively. “Chief Martin Birkenfeld envisioned a 21st-century police department fighting 21st-century crime,” Chadwick said. He highlighted how LPRs assist officers by identifying stolen vehicles, alerting them to potentially dangerous individuals, and even locating missing children or at-risk adults.
A Valuable Tool for Law Enforcement
Chadwick noted that the LPR system has proven its effectiveness. In 2024 alone, the APD recovered 164 stolen vehicles using the technology. The system can also generate investigative leads by determining if a vehicle was in the vicinity of a crime scene, using partial or full license plate information.
“The idea is like having 100 extra officers constantly scanning for vehicles of interest,” Chadwick explained. This capability is especially useful in time-sensitive situations, such as kidnapping cases or when an individual with dementia goes missing.
Limitations and Safeguards
While LPR technology has clear benefits, Chadwick acknowledged its limitations. The system can only search for vehicle color, make, and partial or full license plates, without identifying specific models. “Right now, it’s pretty general,” he said.
The department also sought to address privacy concerns. LPR data is not stored indefinitely, with data being deleted every 30 days due to the high cost of storage. “We have an agreement with Flock Safety that ensures data is not stored or sold, and it’s purged after 31 days,” Chadwick assured. He added that Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) audits ensure compliance with state regulations, with heavy fines for any violations.
Transparency and Public Engagement
To build trust, APD invites concerned residents to visit the Amarillo Regional Crime Center to see how the system works. “We want people to feel comfortable and understand that our goal is safety, not invasion of privacy,” Chadwick said. “Amarillo supports law enforcement, and we want to maintain that trust.”
The LPR cameras, which are high-quality 1080p to 4K resolution, are designed to perform well even in low-light conditions, ensuring accurate readings.
Looking Ahead
As the Amarillo Police Department continues to utilize LPR technology, it aims to strike a balance between public safety and privacy. By fostering transparency and adhering to strict data policies, the department hopes to reassure residents of its commitment to both protecting the community and respecting individual rights.
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