City of Kerrville and KPD clarify license plate reader use

The City of Kerrville and Kerrville Police Department are clarifying what technology the department uses – and what it doesn’t.  KPD said Friday it does not own or operate Flock-brand license plate reader cameras, despite recent public discussion surrounding the technology.  The department says they have used automated license plate readers since 2012 and that fixed cameras have been in use since late 2023.

KPD said it currently operates eight fixed ALPR cameras at three access points into Kerrville.  Police emphasized that does not mean there are eight separate camera locations or that ALPR cameras are positioned throughout the city.  KPD also announced they have two mobile ALPR units.  One is mounted on a police vehicle and another is on a City Marshal vehicle, the city said.

According to the city, the cameras capture an image of a license plate when a vehicle passes.  They can also record the vehicle’s make, model and color.  Police say the technology is used to help investigators identify vehicles connected to crimes, wanted people and public safety alerts.

KPD said its systems do not use facial recognition, issue speeding or traffic tickets, or capture signals from electronic devices.  The department also said the cameras do not provide continuous GPS-style tracking.  If a license plate associated with a stolen vehicle, wanted person or reported crime is detected, officers may receive an alert, but police stressed that the alert is only an investigative lead.  Officers must verify the information before taking action, and the alert itself does not establish probable cause for an arrest or criminal charge.

Investigators can also search data as part of criminal investigations or public safety matters, including CLEAR, AMBER and Silver alerts.  KPD said access is limited to authorized law enforcement personnel who have appropriate credentials.

The City said it released the information in response to recent public discussion and as part of an effort to be transparent about how the technology is being used.  “The City and KPD understand that the use of public safety technology carries an obligation to use that technology responsibly and transparently,” the city said.