License plate readers (LPRs) record images of vehicles that pass in front of them. Those images are analyzed to create data about those vehicles.

Cameras with LPR functionality (from Axon Enterprise, Inc.) are installed on many Madison Police Department (MPD) vehicles. Stationary LPRs (from Flock Group, Inc.) are installed at fixed locations in Madison City limits.

The MPD has used LPR data to solve cases including a murder-for-hire plot, a home invasion/robbery, a bank robbery, and a missing person report.

MPD policies on the use of LPR data include:

• except when needed for an investigation, LPR data from MPD vehicles are deleted after ninety days, and stationary LPR data are deleted after thirty days

• all use of LPR data will be audited at least once every three years by the MPD and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

• any potential misuse of LPR data will be investigated and may result in termination and/or criminal charges

The MPD spends roughly $42K per year to operate LPRs.