Police Misuse of AI License Plate Readers Sparks Privacy Concerns in U.S.
Police officers in Texas and Florida were charged with using AI-powered license plate reader data to track and stalk individuals for personal purposes, including an ex-girlfriend tracked over 10,000 times. The revelations prompted governors to freeze funding and local governments to cancel contracts, with over 100 confirmed misuse incidents documented.
What happened
Police officers across the United States have been accused of misusing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data for personal purposes, including stalking ex-partners and other individuals. A Lufkin, Texas police officer was charged with using ALPR information to stalk an ex-girlfriend, her relatives, and her acquaintances more than 10,000 times. Similar cases were reported in Sarasota and Haines City, Florida, where officers were arrested for misusing ALPR data.
The Institute for Justice identified "well over 100" such incidents of ALPR abuse, though it noted these "may be just the tip of the iceberg" given lax oversight and widespread data sharing among agencies. A Wichita police supervisor acknowledged in 2024 that it is "not even possible" to enforce policies requiring that each search comply with legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Reported impact
The misuse incidents have shifted public opinion and prompted government action. Texas Governor Greg Abbott froze state funding for ALPRs, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that ALPRs are "out of control." As of mid-2026, the Institute for Justice counted 181 local governments that have canceled or declined to renew ALPR contracts since the beginning of 2025, with at least 23 Texas jurisdictions dropping contracts or reducing their networks.
Public opposition to police use of ALPRs increased significantly. A YouGov survey found that 46 percent of respondents opposed police use of ALPRs, including 31 percent who were "strongly" opposed, compared to 45 percent support a year earlier and only 33 percent opposition.
Index analysis
The incidents highlight inadequate governance controls and oversight mechanisms for ALPR systems. Police departments have easy access to data allowing them to track travels, identify nearby vehicles, and predict itineraries without judicial oversight or meaningful internal supervision. Each agency typically shares ALPR information with many others, compounding oversight challenges.
Governance controls
Police officers are supposed to use ALPR information only for legitimate law enforcement purposes, but a Wichita police supervisor conceded it is "not even possible" to enforce this policy by ensuring each search complies with it. Approximately 7,000 police departments have installed ALPR networks comprising around 140,000 cameras, but many did not adequately consider privacy implications or potential for abuse when implementing the systems.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.