Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is exploring a shift in its automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology. The city will not renew its contract with Flock Safety, which expires on December 31. Instead, officials are considering Axon as a replacement, according to reporting by WKOW.
This potential change could affect drivers in Sun Prairie, as the city plans to revisit its data handling policies. The police department already uses Axon for other equipment, like body cameras and Tasers. Police Chief Kevin Warych indicated that the decision is driven by a desire to consolidate technology providers, not by issues with Flock Safety's performance.
What does this mean for drivers in Sun Prairie?
If Axon becomes the new ALPR provider, the core function of the cameras — capturing license plate images — will remain similar. Chief Warych noted, "The license plate reader technology is very much the same." The significant difference for drivers and residents will involve how the collected data is managed.
The city intends to redefine policies on:
- Data retention: How long collected license plate data will be stored.
- Access: Which law enforcement agencies can view and use the information.
Chief Warych stated the city plans "to start from scratch" on these policies to align with what they believe is appropriate. This could lead to new guidelines for data sharing and storage periods, potentially impacting privacy for drivers traveling through Sun Prairie.
Will surveillance increase or change?
Some residents, like David Bendit, question the necessity of ALPR cameras regardless of the vendor. Bendit pointed out specific camera locations, stating, "anyone going to that place cannot get there by vehicle without being tracked by these cameras."
Chief Warych, however, maintains that the technology helps police generate leads more quickly in investigations. He also emphasized a commitment to transparency regarding the new system.
Drivers interested in understanding how ALPRs work and what data they collect can visit our /learn section for more information. Keeping track of these policy discussions is important for understanding your privacy on the road.
Community input is still being sought. A public hearing is scheduled for October 7, where residents can voice their opinions on the proposed shift to Axon and the accompanying data policies.