PRESENTER: Presenter
Osbaldo Flores, Police Chief
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Presentation on the Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program.
Header
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
Body
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) has deployed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology through cameras placed at fixed public locations to support criminal investigations. The cameras capture license plate images, timestamps, and general vehicle descriptions of passing vehicles and automatically check plates against hotlists for stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and Amber/Silver Alerts; staff must confirm any match before officers take action. The program has been funded primarily through Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) grants, which require a 20% match. Camera placement is based on historical crime data, traffic volume, and key travel corridors, and is reviewed periodically, including by an independent third-party consultant. The program operates under a written ALPR Policy that limits access to authorized personnel, requires documented search justifications, sets a 30-day data retention period, and includes monthly internal audits and quarterly independent external audits. Since deployment, ALPR data has supported the recovery of a missing at-risk dementia patient, the apprehension of robbery and theft suspects, and the identification of vehicles connected to violent crime investigations, among other offenses.
ISSUE:
Throughout the country, public concerns have been raised regarding law enforcement use of ALPR technology, including issues related to mass surveillance and Fourth Amendment implications, documented misuse at other agencies, out-of-state and federal data sharing, and the adequacy of current oversight and transparency measures. Staff is presenting the program's policy and governance framework, operational results, and safeguards in place, along with a recommendation on the future configuration of the program, for Council's feedback and direction.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
N/A Economic Mobility N/A Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
YES Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
FISCAL IMPACT:
The ALPR program has been funded through MVCPA grants totaling $2,286,088 in combined grant and matching funds across FY 2024-FY 2027, with the City's required local match totaling approximately $132,371 over that period; the remainder has been fully grant-funded with no City match. Any change to the program's current configuration may affect the use of existing and future grant awards and associated match obligations.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Incorporating Council's feedback on enhancing ALPR program safeguards, staff recommends continuing operation of the ALPR program. Staff further recommend continuing to advocate for stronger legislative safeguards to protect residents' privacy rights.