Shutting down ALPR technology would put police, community ‘at risk,’ Milford police union states

August 15, 2026 - 00:32

The Milford police union is pushing back against any proposal to disable the city's automated license plate recognition cameras, arguing that doing so would create a serious public safety hazard. In a letter delivered Friday to the mayor and the Board of Alders, the union stated that shutting down these essential safety systems puts both officers and residents at risk.

The letter comes as local officials are reviewing the use of ALPR technology, which has drawn privacy concerns from some community members and civil liberties groups. The cameras capture vehicle plates and cross-reference them with databases for stolen cars, wanted suspects, or vehicles linked to Amber Alerts. The union maintains that the system is a critical tool for solving crimes quickly and for preventing dangerous situations from escalating.

Union representatives emphasized that patrol officers rely on the technology daily, especially during traffic stops and investigations. Without the readers, they argue, officers would be forced to operate with less information, making routine stops more unpredictable and hazardous. The letter urges city leaders to weigh the privacy trade-offs against the tangible benefits of crime prevention and officer safety, asking them not to bow to pressure from a vocal minority without considering the full picture.