Report reveals Virginia police misuse of license plate reader technology

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new report found that some Virginia law enforcement agencies using automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) have violated the law since it took effect in July 2025.

A report published in January by the Virginia State Crime Commission stated the results of an ALPR use survey sent to law enforcement agencies to ensure they are following the new statutes that took effect.

The survey found that several law enforcement agencies have violated the new ALPR statute. It also noted that almost one-third of law enforcement agencies did not respond to the survey.

"Based on the responses to the Crime Commission’s 2025 Law Enforcement ALPR Use Survey, some Virginia law enforcement agencies are not using ALPR in accordance with the new statute," the report stated. "In addition, almost one-third of law enforcement agencies did not respond to the survey; therefore, their ALPR use is unknown. Measures will be taken this year to address these issues."

The ALPR uses camera surveillance technology to read vehicle license plates to solve crimes and missing person cases across the Commonwealth.

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Beginning July 1, 2025, the General Assembly established new standards for Virginia law enforcement's use of ALPR.

Some of the new rules stated that data from the camera systems must be deleted after 21 days, unless it is needed for an investigation or lawsuit, and can not be shared with out-of-state or federal agencies.

Law enforcement agencies must also create an ALPR policy and promote public awareness to community members.

The survey was sent to 361 Virginia law enforcement agencies; of those, 251 responded. Additionally, 159 of the responding agencies reported using ALPR.

The report stated that in the survey, 21% of agencies have kept ALPR data for longer than 21 days, which is a direct violation unless the data is used for an active case.

Twenty-one agencies gave continuous access to out‑of‑state agencies, while nine shared data with federal agencies.

Additionally, the survey found that 70% of agencies have an ALPR policy, 16% do not and 9% are still drafting one. Also, 35% of the agencies have not notified the public, even though it is required.

In response to the violations and the lack of responses, the Chair of the Crime Commission, Delegate Charniele Herring, plans to send letters to agencies whose survey responses show violations and agencies that did not respond to the survey.

The Crime Commission also plans to continue monitoring and reporting on law enforcement's use of ALPR.

To read the full report, click here.