Missouri issues license plate reader guidance for law enforcement agencies
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has released guidance on automated license plate readers aimed at protecting privacy and ensuring the technology is used for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
The 10-page document follows Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Sept. 16 executive order directing the department to publish best practices within 10 business days. The guidance was distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies on record with the department.
The recommendations cover license plate reader technology, including Flock Safety cameras, and call for:
– A legitimate law enforcement purpose for every data search.
– Individual accountability for anyone accessing the data.
– Independent verification of alerts before enforcement action.
– Data retention limits of 30 days in most cases.
– Audits at least monthly and targeted reviews of system use.
– A prohibition on integrating artificial intelligence facial recognition technology with the systems.
Public Safety Director Mark James said the department reviewed policies from Missouri police departments, sheriff’s offices and national law enforcement associations.
James said many agencies already have safeguards to protect privacy and constitutional rights. He also said license plate readers have provided leads in investigations involving child abductions, organized retail theft and homicides.
Kehoe said the technology is an effective investigative tool but called for legislation establishing privacy protections, limits on its use and penalties for violations.
The executive order directs state agencies, boards, commissions and local law enforcement entities that receive state funding and use the technology to implement minimum standards to the greatest extent permitted by law until permanent legislation is enacted.
The department also will work with law enforcement organizations, prosecutors and the Missouri attorney general’s office to develop a legislative proposal. James said those discussions will take place before the upcoming legislative session.
