Recently, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) began instructing cities and counties to remove Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) from ODOT rights-of-way. If enforced, this directive will significantly hinder law enforcement’s ability to safeguard our residents and visitors.

What Are ALPRs and Why Are They Important?
ALPRs are specialized cameras that capture vehicle license plates—not people or their faces—on public roads. Law enforcement uses this technology for critical purposes, including:

• Locating missing persons
• Responding to AMBER Alerts
• Identifying stolen vehicles
• Apprehending wanted suspects
• Monitoring sex offenders and violent offenders
• Enforcing protective orders

Officers must enter a clear, valid reason for each search, ensuring that these devices are used strictly for lawful purposes and under proper oversight.

Why Does This Matter?
In Pryor Creek, for example, ALPRs placed along Highways 69 and 20 have repeatedly proven their worth by helping officers solve crimes quickly and safely. Over a year ago, the Pryor Creek City Council approved the purchase and installation of ALPRs due to their proven track record in reducing crime and enhancing public safety—a sentiment echoed by many other cities and counties across Oklahoma and nationwide.

Now, under apparent political pressure, ODOT’s decision to remove ALPRs from their rights-of-way will undermine law enforcement’s effectiveness. This move disproportionately benefits those aiming to evade the law rather than the communities our officers work hard to protect.

Privacy Concerns?
ALPRs capture only the rear of vehicles on public roadways. There is little to no reasonable expectation of privacy in these spaces, particularly compared to the personal information we routinely share via smartphones, social media, and other digital platforms. Moreover, these cameras capture far less detail than what any bystander on the roadside might observe.

What’s at Stake?
If your child or loved one were missing, you would want every possible tool at law enforcement’s disposal to locate them swiftly. By prohibiting the use of ALPRs on ODOT rights-of-way, we are tying the hands of our officers and removing a vital investigative resource.

Call to Action
We respectfully urge ODOT and our state leaders to protect and preserve the use of ALPR technology. Legislative, administrative, or policy measures are needed to ensure that public safety remains a top priority for all Oklahomans.

Stand Up for Safer Communities
Please sign and share this petition to show your support for ALPRs. Together, let’s ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Thank you for lending your voice to this important issue.