Police Misuse of License Plate Readers for Stalking Raises Surveillance Concerns

At least 14 law enforcement officers across the United States have misused automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to track romantic partners, former partners, or even strangers they were interested in. A review by the Institute for Justice identified these cases, highlighting a troubling pattern of misuse in systems such as those provided by Flock Safety.

If ALPR technology continues to expand, the number of documented cases of misuse is likely to rise. However, these 14 examples represent only a fraction of potential incidents. In most cases, the misuse was not detected by internal oversight, peer accountability, or audits. Instead, victims noticed unusual patterns in their movements and reported the behavior, bringing the misconduct to light.

How Misuse Was Uncovered

In nearly every documented case, the outcome followed a predictable sequence:

• Officers were charged with misconduct.
• Officers resigned from their positions.
• Officers were terminated by their departments.

While these outcomes suggest accountability, they do not guarantee that the officers lost their professional certification. In many states, law enforcement certification is managed separately from employment and requires a distinct revocation process. This process can be lengthy and may not result in a permanent ban from policing.

Certification Loopholes Allow Misconduct to Continue

Although none of the officers involved in these cases remain employed by the departments where the misconduct occurred, there is no public record confirming whether they lost their certification. Without revocation, these officers could potentially seek employment at another law enforcement agency.

Surveillance Systems and the Myth of 'Nothing to Hide'

This situation underscores a critical flaw in the argument that surveillance systems like ALPRs are harmless if individuals have nothing to conceal. The misuse by law enforcement officers demonstrates that those entrusted with such tools can and do abuse their power. As the adage goes, power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This case serves as a stark reminder of that principle.

"Because the people entrusted with its lawful use will at times misuse that power."