At a Thursday meeting of the Virginia Crime Commission, officials reported that 17 localities across the Commonwealth are reconsidering how they employ automatic license‑plate readers (ALPRs). The move comes after public scrutiny over alleged misuse and a statewide survey that showed a drop in reported policy gaps.
Survey shows progress on compliance
Nearly every Virginia law‑enforcement agency that uses ALPR technology responded to the latest statewide survey, up from 70% participation last year. While the data still provide only a snapshot, the results suggest improvement. Agencies reporting no policy on ALPR use fell from 26 to six, and those retaining data for more than 21 days dropped from 33 to seven. Continuous data sharing with other state agencies also fell sharply, from 20 agencies to just four.
Lawmakers propose stronger safeguards
Commission members voiced concern that dozens of agencies may be violating state law, noting that only two criminal charges have been filed despite roughly 20 reported incidents. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D‑Fairfax) suggested decertifying officers who break ALPR policy and called for tougher penalties. House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D‑Alexandria) said the commission will consider additional proposals at its next meeting.
Herring, who helped pass the 2025 law authorizing statewide ALPR use, emphasized the need for balance: “My primary concern … was to ensure that we were using technology in a responsible manner that balances people’s right to privacy and their safety.” The 2025 legislation created a statewide approval process, required documentation and reporting, and established oversight mechanisms.
Debate over the technology’s value
While no speaker at the hearing advocated keeping ALPRs unchanged, several acknowledged limited benefits. Board member Duane Barron of Justice Forward noted that readers could help locate a stolen car or lost scooter, though he argued that this is not the central issue. Tamara Lewis of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers argued the tools can aid in identifying stolen vehicles and issuing Amber Alerts, but urged for warrants and much shorter data retention periods.
Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton Bell highlighted “great benefits” the technology has provided in investigations, while also stressing the need for checks and balances to prevent abuse.
Potential legislative action
Lawmakers will return to Richmond for the next General Assembly session in January. Some legislators are pushing for a statewide ban on ALPRs, while others seek greater transparency and stricter oversight. Delegate Jackie Glass (D‑Norfolk) previously introduced bills to establish statewide oversight, operating standards and training requirements; those proposals were carried over to the upcoming session.
As the debate continues, Virginia’s approach reflects a broader national conversation about balancing law‑enforcement tools with constitutional privacy protections. The commission’s findings and upcoming legislative proposals aim to ensure that any use of ALPR technology serves the public’s safety without infringing on individual liberties.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
