The Kaua‘i Police Department announced it is adding Automated License Plate Reader technology to enhance public safety, strengthen investigative capabilities and improve the department’s ability to respond to criminal activity throughout the island.
Police Chief Rudy Tai said in a press release that the license plate reachers are “another step toward providing our officers with modern tools to better serve and protect our community.”
He said the technology will be use “responsibly” to assist investigations, improve public safety and “help to keep Kaua‘i a safe place for our residents and visitors.”
The readers automatically capture and record license plate information from vehicles passing designated locations. The technology helps investigators identify vehicles potentially associated with criminal investigations, including stolen vehicles, missing persons and other public safety incidents.
Unlike traditional surveillance cameras that provide continuous live video monitoring of public areas, these specialized cameras capture license plate information and associated vehicle images that authorized law enforcement personnel may use for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
The technology does not replace traditional police work.
The technology also should not be confused with the Flock Safety camera, which is a private company that stores data on its own servers and is accessible to anyone with a subscription.
Tai said data collected by Kauaʻi police “will be restricted to authorized KPD personnel and governed by departmental policies and applicable laws.”
He added: “KPD recognizes the importance of balancing public safety with individual privacy, and the department is committed to using the technology responsibly for legitimate law enforcement purposes.”
As new technologies are incorporated into its law enforcement operations, the police department “remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the trust of its community,” the press release said.
The license plate readers were called a “crime-fighting star” in an article in Police Chief Magazine.
