Automated License Plate Readers
The Lincoln Police Department strives to employ all available technologies to enhance the safety and security of the community we serve. In early 2024, the Lincoln Police Department began testing the investigatory value of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). Much like the impact of advancements in communication technology, ALPRs offer tremendous potential through their efficiency in information gathering for public safety. On October 28, 2024, the Lincoln Police Department ended its trial period and fully implemented the use of ALPRs within the department.
The Lincoln Police Department utilizes Axon ALPRs, which are cruiser mounted cameras that capture license plate data and compare it with local, state, and federal databases. This real-time analysis assists law enforcement with tasks such as the locating missing persons or amber alerts, and recovery of stolen vehicles. ALPRs serve as a force multiplier, immediately alerting officers when a license plate is wanted, allowing for a prompt and appropriate response. Officers are required to verify any alert or ‘hit’ before taking further investigative action, ensuring accuracy and compliance with department protocols, industry standards, and law.
In a 7-month trial period involving 19 ALPRs, the Lincoln Police Department was able to locate a homicide suspect and recover 30 stolen vehicles with the help of ALPRs. The amount of recovered property totaled approximately $179,000. A presentation of the successful trial period is linked below.
The use of ALPR technology by the Lincoln Police Department is governed by the Nebraska Automatic License Plate Reader Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-3202 through 60-3209 which mandates strict controls over data collection and retention. ALPR data is stored only for lawful purposes, and retained no longer than 180 days, unless required for an ongoing investigation or as required by law. Furthermore, the Lincoln Police Department’s General Orders align with these legal standards, ensuring that the technology is used solely for legitimate public safety purposes and in accordance with the law.
To maintain transparency, community members may view information about the Lincoln Police Department’s use of ALPR technology at any time through the AXON Transparency Portal, accessible via the link below. Additionally, an annual review of the department’s ALPR usage will be published annually on the Nebraska Crime Commission website.
Related Information
Lincoln Police Department ALPR Policy(PDF, 121KB)