Chambersburg Police are providing more information about their automated license plate readers following several recent public forums and heated debate over the use of the technology in Franklin County.
Franklin County commissioners recently heard sharply divided opinions about license plate reader cameras. Supporters cited their value in solving crimes and locating people, while critics raised concerns about privacy, government surveillance, accuracy and oversight.
CPD says its system is separate from the county’s Flock camera program. Chambersburg Police have used automated license plate readers since 2016 through Motorola Solutions.
The department currently operates three fixed ALPRs and six mobile units. Two more fixed cameras are planned.
Police say the cameras take moment-in-time photographs of passing vehicles and license plates, recording the date, time and a basic vehicle description. They do not record live-stream video, identify vehicle occupants or use facial recognition.
CPD says the technology has been used in more than 500 criminal investigations, including homicides, shootings, stolen vehicles and missing-person cases.
The department says safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. An ALPR alert by itself cannot establish probable cause for an arrest. Officers must independently verify an alert, and searches require a report number and a documented law-enforcement reason. Supervisors also conduct monthly audits.
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