Texas DPS installs license plate readers in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas DPS has installed automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Austin.

DPS says that the readers have been installed within several state rights of way following TxDOT authorization.

What they're saying:

DPS provided a copy of its policy regarding how ALPRs will be deployed, operated, managed and overseen.

Under this policy, DPS says that the ALPR system and any associated data will be "used solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes" including:

• Identifying stolen vehicles and license plates
• Locating wanted or missing persons
• Supporting official alert systems (e.g., AMBER, Silver, and Blue Alerts)
• Assisting in criminal investigations and for homeland security purposes
• Enhancing security at critical infrastructure and public event 

The policy also allows for ALPRs to be installed on department vehicles, fixed locations, or portable units following approval.

As for data management, the policy says it can only be retained for a certain period designated for each recognized database:

• Third-party vendor database: 30 days (including images and all metadata)
• TxDPS database: 1 year for DPS generated data; not to exceed 1 year for external law enforcement agency generate data (this includes limited metadata, such as date, time, geocoordinates, ORI, and license plate number)

Data access will be restricted to authorized personnel only and access must be logged and subject to regular audits, says the policy.

Read the full policy below:

Dig deeper:

DPS says that only law enforcement agencies who have signed agreements with them will have access to footage and images collected by its ALPRs.

FOX 7 Austin has filed a public information request for a list of agencies that have signed such an agreement.

What we don't know:

DPS did not disclose what company their cameras are from, how many cameras they have installed or where the cameras have been installed.

Controversy with license plate readers

Several CTX cities removed license plate readers

License plate readers played a key role in catching the Brown University shooting suspect, but several Central Texas cities recently got rid of theirs.

Local perspective:

DPS's policy and installations come after several Central Texas cities, including Austin, terminated their ALPR contracts, mostly due to the company they came from and privacy concerns from residents.

The last of Austin's 40 Flock cameras came down late last year after the city manager decided to terminate the contract last June. 

The termination came after community members and the Austin city council expressed concerns about privacy.

Austin's license plate reader ends in June

License plate readers will no longer be used in Austin after June. This comes after community members and the Austin city council expressed concerns about privacy.

Hays County also voted in October to end their contract with Flock after growing concerns that data collected from the company was being misused and shared with agencies such as ICE to track down immigrants.

The Hays County Sheriff's Office had six LPR cameras and was looking to purchase more, but an incomplete order form prevented the purchase and prompted a new vote by commissioners.