Title
Receive a presentation on police technology, including Automated License Plate Readers and Drones as First Responders.
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REQUESTOR:
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca
BACKGROUND:
The Farmers Branch Police Department uses technology to improve public safety, support criminal investigations, and strengthen emergency response. The Department currently utilizes Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program through Flock, LLC.
ALPR technology assists officers in identifying stolen vehicles, locating missing persons, and investigating criminal activity. The DFR program provides real-time aerial information to help first responders assess incidents, identify potential hazards, and respond more effectively.
Both programs provide valuable resources to law enforcement while operating under established policies that address privacy, authorized use, accountability, and transparency.
DISCUSSION:
The ALPR system assists the Police Department with criminal investigations and public safety operations by capturing license plate information and vehicle characteristics. The system can generate real-time alerts when a vehicle matches information in designated law enforcement databases. Officers can also search vehicle information related to specific investigations. The technology does not use facial recognition or identify vehicle occupants. Information obtained through the system serves as an investigative resource and must be verified before enforcement action is taken.
The Police Department has established policies governing access, use, retention, and sharing of ALPR information. These safeguards include:
Authorized Access: Only trained personnel may access the system for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Investigative searches require documentation of the case number, offense, and reason for the search.
Data Retention: ALPR data is generally deleted after 30 days unless it must be preserved for an investigation, evide...
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