Across Massachusetts, local police departments are increasingly utilizing advanced technology to monitor vehicle movements. Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems are being deployed, raising questions about privacy and the extent of law enforcement surveillance. These systems go beyond simply checking for stolen vehicles; they can instantly identify cars associated with various legal issues, including drivers with suspended licenses.
As highlighted by The Daily Item’s report on Saugus and Revere police departments, ALPR technology allows law enforcement to scan license plates and cross-reference them with databases in real-time. While initially presented as a tool to combat stolen vehicles or identify cars with revoked insurance or registration, the capabilities extend much further. Crucially, these scanners can flag vehicles if the registered owner has a suspended driver’s license or an outstanding warrant. This means even a routine drive could result in a police stop if your license status is flagged.
The system operates passively, meaning your vehicle’s data – location, date, and time – is recorded and stored whenever you drive within range of an ALPR scanner. This data collection happens regardless of whether you are suspected of any wrongdoing. The stored information can then be accessed and used by law enforcement for various purposes. The news report itself mentions the concerning possibility of using this data to retrospectively track individuals and verify their alibis, stating, “…if someone denies he was at a location the night before but the license plate scanner had driven by that location at that same time, police could look through the scanner’s records and know the person is lying.”
The pervasive nature of ALPR systems means that with each new deployment, your movements are increasingly logged and potentially scrutinized. Unlike systems like toll transponders which are optional, there is no way to opt out of being scanned by these license plate readers. This constant data collection raises significant concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of this information. The expansion of license plate scanning technology in Massachusetts signifies a shift towards increased surveillance of law-abiding citizens, making everyone potentially subject to scrutiny.
