Seventeen Virginia localities using automatic license plate readers to identify vehicles and investigate crimes are reconsidering or scaling back ALPR use, vendor relationships, or camera installations, a new report found.
The reconsideration comes as local governments and law enforcement agencies face public scrutiny after alleged misuse and disagreements over how authorities use the readers.
Nearly all of Virginia's law enforcement agencies with license plate readers responded to a statewide survey, up from 70% last year .
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But the responses give only a limited picture as agencies reassess their use of the devices, leaving Virginia Crime Commission staff unable to determine whether agencies fully comply with every statutory provision.
Still, speakers at Thursday's commission meeting argued there may be some noncompliance.
"Dozens of agencies across Virginia (are) breaking the law, with only two people being charged," said Duane Barron, a board member for Justice Forward, criticizing the report for not assessing whether ALPRs actually make Virginia safer or reflect public views.
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Last year, staff found several ar...