About
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) are a system of cameras and computer software that captures images of license plates and converts the plate numbers into searchable data. Under Maryland law, ALPR technology may only be used for authorized law enforcement purposes, and its use is governed by strict legal requirements designed to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
FAQs
The Howard County Police Department currently operates 27 ALPR cameras throughout the county. The HCPD began using ALPRs in 2011.
No. The department does not use Flock Safety cameras. The Howard County Police Department utilizes ALPR technology that is managed by the department and operated in accordance with Maryland law and departmental policy.
The difference is in how the data is governed after capture. Our system is built around agency-controlled data: sharing is explicit and invite-only, no data is copied during sharing, we cannot re-share data, and all access and sharing activity is logged and reviewable by the HCPD.
The system captures a license plate image, basic vehicle attributes visible in the image such as color, make and vehicle type, and the time and location of the detection. The image is not analyzed for facial recognition or behavioral profiling. The system does not perform live registered-owner lookups or build a profile of a registered owner.
The HCPD owns and controls its ALPR data, not the vendor (Axon). Axon has no standing access to agency ALPR data. Access occurs only if the HCPD initiates a specific support request. If that happens, access is temporary, limited to the stated purpose, logged and auditable by the agency.
No. There is no automatic cross-agency access, and the system does not place agency ALPR data into a national or pooled database. Visibility does not expand unless the HCPD takes deliberate action for investigative reasons.
No. The system captures vehicle detection information, not driver identity. License plate images and vehicle context are recorded at specific camera locations. It does not use facial recognition, perform live registered-owner lookups or maintain a live location feed on any person.
No. ALPR technology reads plate characters and basic vehicle attributes from images. It is not used to identify individuals or predict behavior.
Protecting the privacy and security of ALPR data is a top priority. The Howard County Police Department has strict safeguards in place, including:
• Access limited to authorized, trained personnel
• Routine audits to ensure compliance with department policy and Maryland law
• Criminal justice purposes only
• Annual reporting requirements to the Maryland General Assembly
Under Maryland law, all ALPR data collected by the department remains the property of the Howard County Police Department. Neither the department nor its technology vendors may sell the data. Vendors are prohibited from accessing ALPR data without the department's express authorization, and violations of Maryland law may result in criminal penalties.
ALPR data is retained for no more than one year. After one year, the data is automatically deleted unless it has been preserved as evidence in an active criminal investigation or legal proceeding, as permitted by law.
Access is limited to authorized users, and every ALPR search and relevant system action is logged with user, action, time and, where configured, stated reason.
The Howard County Police Department uses ALPR technology to assist with legitimate law enforcement activities and enhance public safety. ALPR systems can help investigators:
• Locate stolen vehicles
• Identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations
• Locate wanted or missing persons
• Generate investigative leads
• Support time-sensitive public safety incidents
When an ALPR camera captures a license plate, it records the plate number along with a photograph of the vehicle and the date, time, and location of the scan.
The department does not use ALPR technology to monitor individuals based on their activities, beliefs, or associations. All use of the system must comply with Maryland law and department policy.
ALPR cameras are installed in publicly accessible locations based on public safety factors, including:
• Crime trends and analysis
• Major roadways and common travel routes
• Vehicle ingress and egress points
• Traffic volume
• Investigative and operational needs
Camera locations are selected to support law enforcement efforts while complying with Maryland law and departmental policy.