Indiana lawmakers are preparing to consider new regulations for automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), including Flock cameras, in their upcoming legislative session. This development follows accusations against Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers for misusing these cameras. Axios Indianapolis reported on October 2, 2026, that this legislative push aims to establish clearer guidelines for how law enforcement uses this technology and manages the data collected.
Misuse allegations have also surfaced in Hancock and Jackson counties, where officers face charges related to improper camera use. For drivers, this means that while ALPRs remain in use, potential new state-level policies could change how your license plate data is collected, stored, and accessed by law enforcement in Indiana.
What prompted the proposed regulations?
The move to regulate ALPRs in Indiana is largely a response to recent incidents of alleged misuse by law enforcement officers. These incidents include:
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD): Five officers were accused of using cameras for personal reasons, such as tracking romantic partners or spouses.
- Hancock County: An officer faces charges related to ALPR misuse.
- Jackson County: A deputy is facing charges for allegedly searching the same license plate more than 2,000 times.
These cases highlight the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the use of ALPR technology. For more background on how these systems work, you can visit our /learn section.
What specific regulations are being considered?
Nonprofit organization Eyes Off Indiana is advocating for several specific guardrails that could be adopted by the state:
- Data Retention: Captured license plate data should be deleted after one week.
- Data Sharing: Prohibit the sale, licensing, or trading of data to brokers or other entities, limiting sharing to other law enforcement agencies for legitimate cases only.
- Audit Requirements: Implement regular audits of ALPR system use.
- Search Logging: Every search performed should be logged and retained for two years.
- Public Portal: Create a public portal to show how the ALPR system is being used.
In response to earlier concerns, IMPD has already updated its internal policies. These changes include requiring every search to be linked to a case or Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) number, a change from previous optional requirements, and implementing a daily auditing process to quickly identify potential misuse.
Representative Jim Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, has stated he is drafting legislation to regulate how law enforcement uses ALPR technology and monitors for abuse. The legislative session is scheduled to begin in January, at which point these proposals may be formally introduced and debated. Drivers in Indiana should monitor these developments, as new laws could directly impact privacy and data retention related to their vehicles. You can see where cameras are currently located on our /map.