Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology: FAQs 

February 10, 2025
 
What is ALPR technology, and why is the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) implementing it? 

• ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) technology is a system that scans and processes license plate data to assist in law enforcement activities.
• TPD is implementing ALPR on February 10, 2025, to enhance public safety, improve officer safety, and positively impact property crime resolution. 

How does ALPR benefit public safety? 

• ALPR helps resolve BOLO (Be on the Lookout) incidents, Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and cases involving missing persons or felonies more efficiently. 
• ALPR connects with law enforcement databases to facilitate cross-jurisdictional collaboration, improving response time and case outcomes. 

 
How does ALPR improve officer safety? 

• By automating license plate data collection, it allows officers to focus on driving and handling other responsibilities. 
• ALPR reduces manual data entry, minimizing distractions, and enhancing officer safety. 

 
How does ALPR help reduce property crime? 

• By scanning dozens of license plates in minutes, increasing coverage and efficiency. 
• With this capability, TPD expects to recover more stolen vehicles and respond more effectively to property crime incidents. 

Does ALPR collect personal or personally identifiable information (PII)? 

• No. ALPR only scans vehicles and license plates in the public right-of-way. 
  It does not collect personal information or target specific individuals, makes, or models of vehicles. 
• Data collected is limited to vehicle-related information, such as license plates and timestamps. 
• The system operates by scanning and processing license plates from vehicles in its field of view, regardless of location or vehicle type. 

 
How is ALPR data used and protected? 

• Access is restricted to specific, pre-approved databases (e.g., stolen vehicle databases). 
  Data is used strictly for solving crimes and public safety incidents. 
• It is not used for surveillance, profiling, or shared with unauthorized agencies or entities. 

 
How long is ALPR data retained? 

• Data not tied to active investigations is automatically deleted after 30 days. 
• Data related to investigations is retained per Washington State Records Retention Laws. 

 
Have other jurisdictions successfully used ALPR? 

• Yes. Cities such as Seattle, Lakewood, and Puyallup have successfully implemented ALPR to enhance public safety.
• For instance, Lakewood PD recovered over 50 stolen vehicles in the first three months of using ALPR. 

Has Tacoma used ALPR before? 

• Yes. Tacoma Parking Enforcement has used ALPR, and TPD previously used similar video/scanning tools before they became obsolete. 
• The updated ALPR technology is now integrated with dash cameras in 193 marked patrol vehicles.

 
How will the community be informed about ALPR use in Tacoma? 

• TPD will conduct a 90-day evaluation phase to assess effectiveness and refine policies. 
• Regular community updates will ensure transparency and provide information on ALPR’s impact on public safety. 

For further questions, contact the Tacoma Police Department at (253) 287-4455 or visit cityoftacoma.org/police.