Austin Police Re-Deploy License Plate Readers to Identify Stolen Cars and Fugitives

AUSTIN, Texas – License plate reader cameras are back in action across the city to help local authorities in their efforts to track stolen cars and fugitives. The return of the equipment comes several months after Austin City Council gave a green light for a trial run lasting one year.

Resource Booster for Police Force

According to Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, the cameras are a welcomed addition given the immense value they provide. “It’s a resource booster. We had them for a while and they were a very helpful tool that we had and then went away for quite a number of years,” Bullock said.

In 2020, the Austin City Council decided to suspend the usage of these readers as part of their efforts to reimagine public safety. In 2022, they turned the decision around and by June 2023, a trial period of one year had been approved. On March 29, cameras were installed across the city and have been operational since.

Filling the Gaps for Overburdened Patrol Officers

According to Bullock, the scanners, which have been designed to photograph the rear license plates of vehicles, provide a helpful support to officers who are already stretched thin. The captured information is then cross-checked with entries in national crime databases.

“As our resources are being spread thin, it’s becoming increasingly hard for officers to proactively look for things in particular,” Bullock added. Austin Police recently announced the recovery of five stolen vehicles within the first two months of operation thanks to the cameras.

Controversy Surrounding The Reinstatement

Some Austinites have expressed concerns regarding the return of the license plate readers. Alicidas Pitner, a local, believes it to be a method of spying on the community and says she would prefer to see funds go back in to building the community instead.

Adrian Gonzalez, while admittedly undecided, voiced similar concerns about privacy. “You’re sacrificing your own privacy at the expense of potentially helping other people, that’s why I’m in between.”

Despite some controversy, Bullock maintains that advanced technology like these readers are here to stay, predicting an acceleration of the use and engagement of artificial intelligence in law enforcement in upcoming years.

Security Measures and Privacy Concerns

The Austin Police Department has chosen to not disclose the locations of the 20 installed cameras for tactical and safety reasons. In a bid to address privacy rights, the city council approved a one-week limit on retaining information gathered by the cameras, a stark contrast to the typical 30-day period practiced in other cities.