McKee Administration Shares New Guidance for Automated License Plate Readers

Published on Monday, October 19, 2026

Governor Maintains Pause on Automated License Plate Reader Installations Pending Passage of Statewide Legislation

PROVIDENCE, RI – The McKee Administration today released a statewide model policy and a template data-sharing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by local law enforcement agencies that choose to use this technology. The Governor announced that the State will maintain its pause on new ALPR installations so legislation can be drafted that will codify statewide safeguards governing the technology.    

The model policy was created by RISP in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission. RISP’s process also included reviewing existing municipal policies in Rhode Island, as well as policies and legislation from other states. 

The announcement follows the Governor's call for a pause and statewide review of the technology in August to address concerns surrounding privacy, oversight, and the sharing of information collected by automated license plate readers.

“Automated license plate readers can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, but we need to make sure they're being used responsibly and that people's privacy is protected,” said Governor Dan McKee. “That's why I called for a pause and review. We’re now taking the next step by extending that pause while we work to put stronger safeguards into state law that protect Rhode Islanders’ privacy while giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe.”

The statewide model policy establishes standards for how ALPR technology should be responsibly used, including: 

• Privacy protections: Prohibits use of the technology for immigration enforcement, investigations involving reproductive or gender-affirming health care, harassment, discrimination, or investigations involving conduct that is not a crime under Rhode Island law.
• Data retention: Requires ALPR data to be deleted within 30 days unless preserved for valid law enforcement purposes. 
• Transparency: Requires police departments to maintain a public transparency portal with information about the number of operational cameras, data retention, agencies with access, and system usage.
• Accountability: Requires quarterly audits, training for authorized users, and documentation of searches to ensure the technology is used for valid law enforcement purposes and in compliance with the policy. 
• Data sharing: Establishes restrictions on sharing information with outside agencies and requires formal agreements governing access and use of data. 
• Violations: Any individual who violates the policy may be subject to administrative sanctions, up to and including termination, civil liability, and criminal prosecution, as applicable.

The McKee Administration is urging municipalities that currently use ALPR technology to adopt the model policy and use the MOU template to establish clear rules governing data sharing.

“Automated license plate readers are an important tool that can help law enforcement solve crimes, locate missing persons, and protect our communities,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “At the same time, we recognize the importance of maintaining public trust. This model policy establishes clear, consistent standards for how this technology should be used, how information is accessed and shared, and how agencies are held accountable. Our goal is to ensure that law enforcement can use this technology effectively and responsibly.”

“Not every community will choose to use automated license plate readers, but it is important that all municipalities have access to a consistent set of standards if they decide to adopt this technology,” said Colonel Correia of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “This model policy gives police departments a strong foundation to work from, with clear guidance on protecting privacy, maintaining accountability, and ensuring that information is used and shared appropriately. It also provides consistency across communities while allowing each municipality to make decisions based on its own public safety needs.”

“Developing this model policy with the State Police is an important step toward strengthening accountability, privacy protections, and oversight. It provides departments with clear guidelines to support effective investigations while protecting the communities we serve. Public safety and individual privacy are not mutually exclusive,” said Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr., Chief of the Providence Police Department.

The model policy will be reviewed annually to ensure the guidance remains current.