Missouri DPS Issues Guidance on Automated License Plate Readers

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Public Safety has published guidance for law enforcement agencies on best practices for the use of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, in Missouri.

The guidance comes in response to Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 26-18, issued September 16th. The order directed DPS to make guidance available within 10 business days as state officials work to establish standards for ALPR technology while permanent legislation is considered.

DPS says the 10-page document was distributed to all state and local law enforcement agencies on record with the department.

The guidance is intended to establish safeguards for the use of ALPR technology, including systems such as Flock Safety cameras.

Among the recommended best practices are:

• Requiring a legitimate law enforcement purpose for any ALPR data search.
• Establishing individual accountability for anyone with access to ALPR data.
• Requiring independent verification of ALPR alerts before law enforcement takes action.
• Limiting retention of ALPR data to 30 days in most cases.
• Conducting routine audits of ALPR use at least monthly, along with targeted reviews.
• Prohibiting the integration of artificial intelligence facial recognition technology with ALPR systems.

DPS Director Mark James says the department reviewed ALPR policies from Missouri police departments and county sheriff’s offices, as well as guidance from national law enforcement organizations.

James says discussions with Missouri police chiefs, sheriffs and the Missouri State Highway Patrol showed that many agencies have already implemented safeguards designed to protect privacy and constitutional rights.

He also pointed to cases where ALPR technology has provided leads in criminal investigations, including child abductions, organized retail theft operations and homicide investigations.

Governor Kehoe says ALPR technology has become an effective law enforcement tool, particularly as agencies deal with officer shortages. He says permanent legislation is needed to establish requirements for legitimate law enforcement use, protect privacy and establish consequences for violations.

Under Executive Order 26-18, state agencies, boards, commissions and local law enforcement entities that receive state funding and use ALPR technology are directed, to the greatest extent allowed by law, to implement minimum standards for the technology until permanent legislation is enacted.

The executive order also directs DPS to work with the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, Missouri Sheriffs Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, along with other organizations identified in consultation with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

DPS Director James says those groups will continue discussions ahead of the upcoming legislative session with the goal of developing a legislative proposal to establish the standards in Missouri law.