INDIANAPOLIS — As the Indiana General Assembly prepares to reconvene in January, several state lawmakers are working on legislation that would establish statewide standards for automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The move comes after growing public concern over privacy, surveillance and the potential for misuse of the technology.
Current landscape
ALPRs have become a common investigative tool for police departments, airport and hospital security, university police, state prisons and even conservation officers. The Indiana Department of Correction uses the data to locate escapees and parolees, while the Department of Transportation accesses it for tolling, construction‑site monitoring and safety‑zone enforcement.
Despite the widespread deployment—an advocacy group called Eyes Off Indiana estimates roughly 3,600 readers operating in at least 84 of the state’s 92 counties—state law places few restrictions on how the collected information can be stored, accessed or shared.
Legislative proposals
Rep. Jim Pressel, R‑Rolling Prairie, who chairs the House Roads and Transportation Committee, said the goal is not to eliminate a valuable tool but to add “guardrails” that protect Hoosiers from unwarranted surveillance. Pressel previously authored a provision in House Enrolled Act 1150 that bars homeowners’ associations from using ALPRs to monitor residents unless the cameras are operated by law‑enforcement.
His new proposal would require police departments to conduct routine audits of searches of license‑plate databases, with the possibility of annual audits overseen by the Indiana State Police. The legislation could also set limits on how long data may be retained and define circumstances under which agencies may share the information with other entities.
Privacy and constitutional concerns
Privacy advocates point to a recent Washington Post investigation that alleged an Indianapolis police officer used the department’s ALPR system to conduct personal searches for his wife and acquaintances thousands of times over ten months. The officer was suspended and the police chief recommended termination.
Critics argue that departmental policies alone may not be enough to safeguard citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights. Walker Lasbury, a DePauw University student and founder of Eyes Off Indiana, warned that without comprehensive state law, protections depend on individual department policies that can change overnight.
Law‑enforcement response
IMPD announced a new policy this month that tightens language governing access to and auditing of its ALPR database. Only officers who have completed required training and acknowledged the policy may use the system, and ongoing audits are intended to flag potential misuse.
The Indiana State Police already requires troopers to enter a dispatch or case number for each search and allows district commanders to audit records at their discretion. State policy also prohibits using ALPR data to infringe on a person’s First Amendment rights.
Industry safeguards
Flock Safety, a leading ALPR vendor, plans to require case codes for law‑enforcement searches and will provide an audit‑assistance tool that flags suspicious activity and temporarily suspends users pending review.
Advocates like Lasbury are pushing for additional measures, including a seven‑day retention limit for vehicles not on law‑enforcement hot lists and prohibitions on commercial sale or sharing of ALPR data, with criminal and civil penalties for misuse.
Legislative outlook
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R‑Indianapolis, echoed the call for comprehensive review, noting that the Fourth Amendment has not been suspended and that lawmakers need to answer fundamental questions about access and retention. He asked whether the data could be used for non‑law‑enforcement purposes such as investigating a spouse’s infidelity or targeting political opponents.
Both Pressel and Freeman are among several legislators examining possible bills, though it remains unclear how many will be introduced when the General Assembly returns. Governor Mike Braun has not yet commented on the proposals.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
