Understanding ALPR Technology

Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are camera systems that scan and record license plates from passing vehicles. Mounted on poles, patrol cars, or intersections, they automatically capture plate numbers, timestamps, and GPS coordinates. These details create a searchable record of where specific vehicles were at specific times.

How ALPR Data Is Used

Law enforcement agencies use ALPRs to locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and investigate crimes. The technology can be useful when focused on immediate, serious investigations. However, in many places the same data is stored for months or years, creating massive archives of everyday travel patterns.

Why Retention Matters

Each scan may seem harmless, but when combined they form a detailed picture of a person’s movements: where they live, work, and visit. Without retention limits or oversight, these databases can be accessed for unrelated investigations or shared with private companies, raising major privacy and constitutional concerns.

The Legal Gap in Indiana

Indiana has no statewide law governing how ALPR data is collected, stored, or shared. Each agency sets its own policy or operates without one. This lack of uniform standards means millions of scans of innocent drivers may be kept indefinitely with no public transparency or clear deletion schedule.

Eyes Off Indiana’s Position

We support smart use of technology that helps law enforcement while protecting citizens’ rights. ALPRs should be regulated to ensure:

  • Short data retention periods, limited to specific investigative needs,
  • Strict access controls requiring warrants or documented justification, and
  • Public transparency on how many scans are collected, how long they are kept, and who accesses them.

Why It Matters to Every Hoosier

ALPRs do not just scan suspects. They record everyone. Without limits, Indiana risks creating a system of mass location tracking with no meaningful checks. Reasonable regulation can preserve both public safety and constitutional privacy.

Learn more about how you can support ALPR reform and help ensure Indiana protects both safety and privacy.