Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Automated License Plate Reader or ALPR?
An Automated License Plate Reader or ALPR is cameras used with computer software that automatically capture an image of a vehicle's license plate and transform that image into alphanumeric characters allowing the characters to be queried across law enforcement databases giving an alert when a vehicle wanted by law enforcement has been detected.
Has MNPD been given full approval to implement an ALPR system?
The MNPD will begin a six-month pilot program set to begin in February 2023 to determine whether the continued use of an ALPR system is appropriate in Nashville. Prior to the conclusion of the pilot program, MNPD will submit a report to Metro Council on the efficacy of the program, compliance with the provisions of the ordinance (13.08.080), and any policies implemented in order to carry out the use of the system.
What is the purpose of MNPD using an ALPR system?
To locate stolen vehicles/license plates, investigate/prosecute felony offenses associated with violent crime, locate vehicles involved in reckless (ex. street racing), locate missing children/elderly persons (Amber/Silver Alerts), protect our community/critical infrastructure during special events. The MNPD will not utilize ALPR systems for general surveillance of any individual, repossession of vehicles, expired tag enforcement, driver license status enforcement, or insurance enforcement.
What data does an ALPR system collect?
ALPR systems capture a contextual photo of the vehicle, an image of the license plate, the geographic coordinates of where the image was captured, and the date and time of the information collection. There is no personally identifiable information contained in an ALPR record and the MNPD operator can only determine the registered owner of a vehicle by querying a separate government database of the vehicle license plate records.
How long are ALPR records retained?
The MNPD follows all laws related to retention of ALPR data and records. MNPD will not retain ALPR data for more than ten days unless it is evidence in a criminal offense or civil traffic or parking offense, subject to a properly issued warrant, subpoena, court order, or where the MNPD has been instructed to preserve such data by the Metropolitan Department of Law in relation to pending litigation or anticipated litigation.
Who will have access to the MNPD ALPR database?
MNPD policy will restrict and limit access to the ALPR database to only select employees who have completed training and passed background checks required to access criminal justice data. The MNPD will further restrict access to trained employees who have a specific need to access the database for official lawful purposes.
When can authorized persons access stored ALPR data?
Authorized employees must have reasonable suspicion that a felony offense, or a traffic or parking offense has occurred before examining collected license plate reader data that was collected more than one hour prior to the examination. Authorized users will not examine data that was collected more than one hour prior to the examination in order to generate reasonable suspicion.
What measures will MNPD put in place to prevent unauthorized access and abuse of the system?
The MNPD will limit user authorization to only select employees who have completed the required training and have an official and specific need and right to access. In addition to the user privilege restrictions put in place, all software utilized by MNPD employees will contain an audit log which will record the user, date/time, and data accessed by the employee. MNPD Program Administrators will also conduct audits to ensure all polices and laws are being followed by ALPR system users.
Can I request the images or data of where my vehicle has been recorded by an ALPR?
ALPR data in Tennessee is not subject to public records or FOIA request and is limited to only law enforcement employees with an official need and right to know the information.
Do ALPR systems provide surveillance of my location?
ALPR system do not provide surveillance of anyone's location. ALPR systems only provide law enforcement employees with an image captured for one moment in time and the location where a vehicle's license plate passed an ALPR camera.
Is every ALPR image reviewed?
Images are only reviewed by law enforcement employees when required for a lawful purpose and all access is strictly monitored and audited.
Will MNPD conduct traffic stops on vehicles prior to verifying a "hit"?
MNPD will utilize a two-prong verification system to ensure the accuracy of any "hit" identified by the fixed position ALPR systems. When the ALPR system alerts MNPD to a "hit", an employee will first cross check the image taken to the information ran through the database. If the employee confirms the information to be accurate and second employee will then verify and confirm the information prior to giving authorization to conduct a vehicle stop.
Does the ALPR system used by MNPD use facial recognition technology?
No. The MNPD will not be utilizing an ALPR system that incorporates facial recognition technology.
Will MNPD share ALPR data with other law enforcement agencies?
Yes, the MNPD will share ALPR data with other law enforcement agencies under specific circumstances which match MNPD policy for ALPR usage (i.e., investigation of violent crimes, street racing/reckless driving, missing persons). The requesting agency must do so in writing and the request must be approved by the MNPD LPR Program Administrator. If a "hit" is returned on the requested search, MNPD will verify it to be accurate prior to sharing the data.
How were the locations for License Plate Reader’s selected?
Davidson County was divided into four equal quadrants based on population (2020 Census). A density layer for 2021-2022 Part I UCR Violent Crime Incidents (Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault) was then created. The police department then ensured all sites were located on major and collector streets as defined in the Nashville Next Major and Collector Street Plan.