Atlanta, GA – Drivers in Atlanta may soon see new regulations governing the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and other surveillance cameras by the Atlanta Police Department. Mayor Andre Dickens plans to present a policy proposal to the City Council on Monday, September 22, 2026, aiming to restrict how police utilize this technology. The mayor's initiative follows reports of law enforcement officers across Georgia misusing similar systems, as Yahoo News reported.
The Atlanta Police Department (APD) currently uses technology from Flock Safety, a Georgia-based company. While an internal audit by APD flagged fewer than 1% of uses as potentially improper, nearly 80 cases raised questions about the technology's application.
What does this mean for Atlanta drivers?
Mayor Dickens’ proposal seeks to establish permanent, citywide standards for public safety cameras, including ALPRs. If the City Council approves the legislation, drivers can expect a clearer framework for how their license plate data is collected and used. The proposed policy outlines several key changes:
- Permanent Standards: It would set lasting guidelines for surveillance technology used by the city government.
- Monthly Audits: Officers' use of Flock cameras would undergo monthly review.
- Clear Definitions: The policy would define precisely when and how surveillance technology can be deployed.
These measures are designed to enhance privacy, improve oversight, and ensure accountability, directly addressing concerns about potential misuse of the cameras. For more details on how ALPRs work and their impact, visit our /learn page.
Why is this policy being introduced now?
The push for new regulations comes after multiple incidents across Georgia where officers were accused of misusing camera systems, including ALPRs, for unauthorized purposes. These issues became more visible after Flock Safety introduced auditing tools for its services. Although APD has not publicly disclosed the number of Flock cameras within city limits or confirmed incidents of misconduct by its officers, the mayor's proposal aims to proactively prevent such abuses within Atlanta.
Mayor Dickens stated that his policy will allow Atlanta to have “effective public safety technology governed by clear rules and consequences when those rules are violated.” He hopes the City Council will review, adjust, and pass the legislation within 60 days.