News Summary

Local law enforcement in Kent County, Michigan, has refuted claims circulating on social media that automated license plate readers (ALPR) are used for immigration investigations. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies confirmed their focus on criminal enforcement. They clarified that officers do not engage in immigration enforcement unless tied to criminal investigations. The use of ALPR technology is primarily aimed at solving crimes and recovering stolen vehicles, while concerns about privacy and data management continue to be discussed in the community.

Kent County, Michigan

Kent County law enforcement agencies have denied allegations that automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems are being utilized for immigration investigations. Allegations recently surfaced on social media, suggesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is employing these systems to track individuals for immigration-related purposes. The accusations have raised concerns among residents, leading to clarifications from local police departments.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), along with the Wyoming Public Safety Department and the Kentwood Police Department, implemented approximately 25 Flock Safety ALPR cameras in 2022. These cameras are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas, primarily near intersections, where they can effectively monitor and capture license plate information. The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has been utilizing ALPR technology since 2013.

In response to the online allegations, the GRPD confirmed that their officers do not engage in immigration enforcement and clarified that one of their officers was mistakenly identified as performing such functions. The department’s policy explicitly states that officers are prohibited from conducting immigration tasks unless they relate directly to a criminal investigation. This reinforces the message that the primary function of ALPR systems is to assist in criminal investigations rather than immigration enforcement.

The veracity of the allegations concerning ICE’s use of ALPR systems remains unverified by independent news sources. As of now, the KCSO, Wyoming Public Safety Department, and Kentwood Police Department have not responded to inquiries regarding whether they share data from their ALPR cameras for immigration-related purposes. The current status of data sharing among these law enforcement agencies is unclear—it’s uncertain if each maintains its data strictly for its jurisdiction or collaborates more broadly.

The KCSO has actively deployed ALPR technology to pinpoint and track stolen vehicles and locate individuals who may be at risk since 2022. These cameras capture license plate images that are then cross-referenced against databases associated with stolen cars and individuals with outstanding warrants. Information that is not relevant to criminal investigations is purged automatically, ensuring that unnecessary data is not retained.

ALPR systems play a crucial role in supporting law enforcement efforts, such as the issuance of AMBER and SILVER alerts for missing persons. The rising incidents of vehicle theft—Kent County documented a 25% increase in car thefts from the previous year in 2021—have prompted local authorities to enhance their surveillance capabilities with technologies like ALPR, which have shown success elsewhere in assisting in solving crimes and recovering stolen vehicles nationally.

However, there are concerns regarding privacy and data usage linked to ALPR technology. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced strong opposition to its use, arguing that these systems can lead to persistent records of an individual’s movements, raising alarms about potential government overreach. The ACLU’s position emphasizes the fine line law enforcement must walk between effective crime solving and the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.

Officials at the KCSO have assured the public that the data collected through ALPR technology is strictly intended for criminal investigations, reiterating that the use of these systems is not to monitor law-abiding citizens. As the conversation around the implications of ALPR technology continues, community members are encouraged to engage with local law enforcement to understand better how these tools are used and for what purposes.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Police Departments Deny Using License Plate Readers for Immigration Enforcement

Additional Resources

• WZZM 13: GRPD Denies Use of License Plate Readers for Immigration Investigations
• MLive: 25 Cameras to Capture License Plates for Police
• MLive: License Plate Scanners for Parking Enforcement
• Officer: Whelen ALPR Light Bar
• Wikipedia: Automated License Plate Recognition