The Crystal Lake Police Department utilizes Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) as a tool to assist in identifying vehicles driven by people suspected of criminal activity, and locating vehicles associated with missing persons, Amber Alerts or individuals in crisis. Seventy percent of all crimes committed involve an automobile, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. This technology prioritizes the health, safety and welfare of our community. 

What are Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)?

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) are a high-resolution digital camera with an infrared filter to capture images of vehicle registrations. As vehicles pass through the field of view of the ALPR camera, a picture of the rear of the vehicle is taken, including the license plate.

These images only capture:

• vehicle registration,
• vehicle make and color, and;
• time the vehicle was at the location of the fixed camera.

It is a resource to recognize license plate information and other facts about a vehicle, not the occupants. The technology is not connected to personal identifying information, is not capable of facial recognition, or used for traffic enforcement similar to a red-light camera. These license plate readers DO NOT capture video, record speed, enforce traffic or parking violations, or track people. 

How will the cameras be used?

License plate data provides law enforcement with objective, actionable information essential for solving crimes. This technology will help the Department identify vehicles connected to missing persons, Amber Alerts, individuals in crisis, and criminal activity. ALPRs will also serve as a valuable investigative tool for conducting retrospective searches to aid in solving crimes after they occur. 
Additionally, the technology for either traffic or immigration enforcement is not built into the solution. This is by design based on the fundamental beliefs that the Department can leverage technology that is effective for law enforcement to help solve and prevent crimes, while at the same time protecting the privacy and rights of all people.

How is the data retained, and for how long?

The Department retains ownership of all footage and data collected by the ALPR system, and this information is fully encrypted. Data gathered by the ALPRs will not be sold or shared with any third-party entities outside of law enforcement. All license plate data not associated with an active investigation will be automatically deleted after 30 days, after which it becomes permanently inaccessible.

The cameras operate using cellular signals and have no incoming network connections, ensuring that any data stored on the device remains encrypted at all times. Data is also encrypted during transmission to the cloud and while stored within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Government Cloud, where it remains encrypted at rest.