Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) 

How ALPR Technology Works

The ALPR system captures computer-readable images of license plates and vehicles. The data collected contains the date, time, and location where the image was captured. There is no personally identifiable information contained in this data. The system does NOT capture or store images of drivers or passengers nor information associated with a vehicle's registration.

The ALPR system compares the license plate data against a list maintained by the State of Illinois (LEADS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Sugar Grove Police Department. This list contains license plate values associated with certain vehicles, such as stolen motor vehicles; vehicles associated with missing persons, Amber and Silver Alerts; and vehicles entered into the list as being associated with criminal activity. If there is a match on a vehicle, the system alerts Sugar Grove Officers in real time through the in-car computer system.

It is important to note that although the term ALPR includes the term automated when an alert is generated, an officer will independently validate that the system has accurately read the license plate, that the plate observed matches the alert, and that the alert is still active.

Automated License Plate Readers

The Village of Sugar Grove in March of 2023 contracted with Flock Safety Inc., to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) units in our community.

In addition, Sugar Grove squad cars have Axon’s Fleet 3 mobile video systems equipped with ALPR technology.  Axon and Flock are integrated for alerting officers in the field real time when a plate passes through the field of view of one of the cameras that is on a Hot list. 

The Village is offering resources so residents can learn about the functions and limitations of this technology. Please see the FAQs and the Sugar Grove Police Department's guidelines on the use, privacy, and storage of ALPR data.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many ALPR units does the Village have?

The Village Board approved the installation of 4 Flock ALPR units in 2023. The ALPR program will be reviewed for program effectiveness and compliance. Due to delays in the permitting process in placing units along state roadways, Flock and the Village worked together to place four temporary cameras on local roadways until the State permit process and installation of the original unit locations were completed. The Village currently has four temporary cameras on local roadways and three of the four original cameras on state and county roadways. One camera on a state roadway is still working its way through the process. 

In addition, Sugar Grove squad cars are equipped with Axon’s Fleet 3 (in-car mobile video system) that have ALPR technology built into the system. 

• How did you decide where to place the ALPR units?

Police Department staff identified entryways into the community that are most frequently traveled. Staff worked with the vendor to further identify locations that would be most beneficial for the ALRP units to cover.

• What crimes will ALPR data be used to investigate?

Data will be used for lawful investigations into any potential criminal activity of a jailable offense pursuant to United States law or any law of any State. Data will not be used in the enforcement of local ordinance violations.

• How long is the data from an ALPR unit stored?

All ALPR data will be retained for 30 days. After 30 days, ALPR data shall be purged unless it has become, or it is reasonable to believe it will become, evidence in a criminal action or is subject to a lawful action or order to produce such records. Data will not be sold or shared with third parties.

• What safeguards are in place to protect my privacy?

The Village recognizes privacy considerations associated with ALPRs including data access, data retention, and data storage. The Village takes these privacy concerns seriously and considers the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recommendations for law enforcement as part of departmental policy development and the ALPR implementation plan.

• Data from license plate readers may be used by law enforcement agencies
• Captured data should be stored for a limited period of time (30 Days) unless flagged for a lawful investigation
• Users will be trained on the use of the technology and privacy concerns
• Searchable database to create an audit trail of who searched for information and for what purpose
• Annual review process of the ALPR program including system access and usage
• All collected data is encrypted and stored for security compliance
• Password-protected access to the ALPR system with a multi-factor authentication
• Law enforcement agencies have full ownership of the footage they collect; no selling or sharing of data with third parties

Sugar Grove Policy and Procedure

The Sugar Grove Police Department's policy and procedure dictates the acceptable uses for the technology and protects against misuse. The policy also requires the department evaluate the efficacy of the technology and the specific ALPR locations annually. Read the policy here.

ALPR Transparency Portal

As a part of the agreement, Flock Safety, Inc. has agreed to assist the Village in establishing and maintaining a public-facing ALPR Transparency Portal. The Transparency Portal will be accessible to members of the public and serve as a hub for information related to the Village's ALPR usage, including information on data retention and access policies. The site provides usage statistics, including the number of ALPRs the Village is leasing and a list of the other law enforcement agencies with whom the Village shares ALPR information.  To view the portal click here.