The Grand Island Police Department has announced that they will be installing several automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras to solve and reduce crime. The cameras are built by Flock Safety, the public safety technology company that helps neighborhoods, communities, and law enforcement work together to fight crime.  https://www.flocksafety.com/faq

Flock Safety ALPR cameras send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted suspect from a state or national crime database is detected. They also send alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected.

The Flock Safety system also helps law enforcement solve crime by providing the objective evidence needed for investigations. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 7 in 10 crimes are committed with a vehicle.

Flock Safety ALPR cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces. Each search requires a justification, and the data is never sold or shared with third parties. The cameras are used to solve and reduce property and violent crime, and are not intended for minor traffic or parking violations. 

Click on the link below to read the Grand Island Police Department's Policy on Automatic License Plate Readers :

Automatic License Plate Reader Policy O2416

Click on the link below to view the information on ALPR Resources provided by the Nebraska Crime Commission: 

Nebraska Crime Commission-Automatic License Plate Reader Resources

What are license plate readers?

Automatic license plate readers are motion-activated, still cameras. They are triggered to take a photo when a vehicle passes the camera.

Once the photo is taken, the camera software detects the license plate. It sends an alert to local law enforcement if the license plate or venice is stolen, associatea with a known wanted offender, or with a missing or endangered person.

The footage is stored securely for 30 days so it can be used, if needed, as objective investigative evidence to solve crime. After 30 days, all footage is automatically and irrevocably deleted.

License plate readers do not capture video, record speed, use facial recognition, enforce parking, or track people. They are only recording photos of license plates and vehicles.

What law enforcement say:

"This system allows law enforcement departments and public officials to work swiftly and efficiently in locating and protecting the community from criminal activity."

"These cameras are an important part of police investigations."

"There's been instances where we've shaved off days on investigations because we've had that instant feedback and instant information."