One of the most effective tools available to law enforcement are Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). These systems capture computer-readable images of license plates and vehicles, allowing officers to compare plate numbers against those of stolen cars or wanted individuals in a crime database. Across the country, law enforcement is utilizing ALPR to locate missing children, combat gun violence, and address organized theft.
 
Currently, PennDOT only allows ALPRs to be used on non-PennDOT structures and only if approval is provided from the structure’s owner. This severely limits the ability of local law enforcement to make public safety decisions in the best interest of the communities they serve. A process is needed to permit the safe and responsible use of this technology on state roads on stand-alone and existing PennDOT infrastructure.
 
Therefore, I am proposing legislation that would direct PennDOT to establish a permitting process for ALPR technology. Local law enforcement agencies will apply for permits to install ALPR systems in the right-of-way on state-owned roads. Crucially, permits will only be granted to local law enforcement agencies and require that ALPR is used exclusively for public safety purposes.
 
We must remove this barrier to law enforcement to empower our police departments to better protect our communities. I urge you to support this legislation. Together, we can take meaningful steps to bolster public safety and combat crime in our Commonwealth.