Release from Alachua Police Department
ALACHUA, Fla. – Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky issued a statement today addressing the department’s use of automated license plate readers, a technology drawing increased scrutiny locally and across the country.
Sandusky said the Alachua Police Department recognizes the growing debate over law enforcement use of License Plate Recognition, or LPR, technology. He acknowledged that residents and civil liberties advocates have raised valid questions about privacy, access to collected information, proper police use, and possible Fourth Amendment concerns. The chief said the department considers those issues serious and worthy of careful attention.
The department recently received notice from the Florida Department of Transportation that active permits for Automated License Plate Recognition Systems installed within FDOT rights of way have been revoked. FDOT’s notice requires affected equipment to be removed within 30 days. According to Sandusky, nine LPR cameras within Alachua’s jurisdiction fall under the criteria outlined by the state agency. The vendor has been notified and has advised the department that it plans to comply with the 30-day removal order. Other LPR cameras currently in use that do not fall under the FDOT permit criteria will remain operational for now as the department tracks relevant court cases, legislative action, and guidance from state and federal authorities. Sandusky noted that courts have so far stated that LPR use does not violate Fourth Amendment protections, but said the department will reassess its practices if legal standards change.
While complying with FDOT’s directive, Sandusky said the department also wants the public to understand why police agencies use license plate reader technology. He described LPR systems as an important investigative and public safety tool for Alachua officers and law enforcement agencies nationwide. The technology, he said, has helped police quickly identify and arrest suspects in serious crimes, find missing and endangered people, locate juveniles, recover stolen vehicles, and take stolen firearms off the streets.
At the same time, Sandusky said the usefulness of any police technology does not reduce the department’s obligation to use it lawfully, appropriately, and with respect for constitutional rights. He noted that officers regularly have access to sensitive databases and investigative tools that are not available to the public, and that such access comes with a duty to use those systems only for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in line with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
The Alachua Police Department said it already has policies and safeguards controlling access to sensitive law enforcement information, including LPR data. Allegations that an employee improperly accessed or misused information are treated seriously and may lead to review or investigation, the chief said. If violations of law, policy, or procedure are found, appropriate action can and will be taken. Sandusky also said the department will conduct a thorough review of its current policies to determine whether stricter internal controls should be adopted.
Sandusky said the department does not view public safety and individual privacy as opposing goals. Instead, he said, Alachua police will continue working to balance the use of technology that helps identify offenders, solve crimes, find vulnerable people, and protect the community with safeguards designed to preserve the privacy and constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
