Automatic License Plate Reader Policy
As the York Police Department strives to enhance the safety and security of the community we serve, and one resource is technology. Automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) offer tremendous potential through their efficiency in information gathering for public safety.
Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) capture computer-readable images of license plates. This information is compared with information from national or state crime databases to provide real-time alerts if a vehicle associated with a known suspect, a stolen vehicle, and help locate missing/endangered people.
The York Police Department utilizes Motorola ALPRs, which are cruiser mounted cameras that capture license plate data and compare it with local, state, and federal databases. When ALPRs immediately alerting officers when a license plate is wanted, officers are required to verify any alert before taking further investigative action. This ensures accuracy and compliance with department protocols, industry standards, and law.
The use of ALPR technology by the York Police Department is governed by the Nebraska Automatic License Plate Reader Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-3202 through 60-3209 which mandates strict controls over data collection and retention. ALPR data is stored only for lawful purposes, and retained no longer than 180 days, unless required for an ongoing investigation or as required by law. Furthermore, the York Police Department’s policy on ALPR’s align with these legal standards, ensuring that the technology is used solely for legitimate public safety purposes and in accordance with the law.
Additionally, an annual review of the department’s ALPR usage will be published annually on the Nebraska Crime Commission website.