Gov. Dan McKee has called for a statewide pause on installing or activating new automated license plate reader cameras and ordered a 60-day review aimed at setting uniform standards for the technology and the data it collects.
“Automated license plate readers can be an important tool for law enforcement to solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and locate dangerous or missing individuals, but Rhode Islanders also have legitimate questions about privacy, transparency, and how this information is collected, stored, and shared,” McKee said. “Public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive.”
The review will be conducted by Col. Darnell Weaver and the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns and other stakeholders. Recommendations for statewide standards are due within 60 days.
The State Police will not install or activate additional ALPR cameras during the review. Existing State Police cameras may continue operating under current policies.
McKee is urging municipalities to pause new installations as well, though the request is not binding on cities and towns. He said he will work with lawmakers when the General Assembly returns to advance legislation codifying the standards.
