The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Wednesday announced it has published guidance for law enforcement agencies on the use of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, following an executive order issued Sept. 16 by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
Executive Order 26-18 directed DPS to issue best-practices guidance and established minimum standards for state agencies and local law enforcement entities that receive state funding and use ALPR technology.
The 10-page guidance document was distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies on record with DPS. It is available at dps.mo.gov/documents/alpr-best-practices-guide.pdf.
DPS Director Mark James said the department reviewed ALPR policies used by Missouri law enforcement agencies and national law enforcement organizations while developing the guidance.
The recommendations call for ALPR searches to have a legitimate law enforcement purpose, individual accountability for those accessing ALPR data and independent verification of ALPR alerts before enforcement action is taken.
The guidance also recommends that ALPR data generally be retained for no more than 30 days, that agencies conduct routine audits and targeted reviews of ALPR use, and that artificial intelligence facial recognition technology not be integrated with ALPR systems.
Kehoe’s executive order requires covered agencies, to the extent allowed by law, to implement minimum standards for ALPR use until permanent legislation is enacted. The order also restricts ALPR access to criminal justice and lifesaving purposes and establishes requirements for search logging and penalties for misuse.
DPS also was directed to work with law enforcement organizations and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office on proposed legislation governing ALPR technology. James said those discussions are expected before the upcoming legislative session.
