Dallas, Texas, December 1, 2025
The Dallas Police Department is expanding its license plate reader network with the installation of 24 new cameras in southwest Dallas. This initiative, aimed at improving public safety and supporting criminal investigations, involves a significant investment of about $158,000. While it promises to enhance law enforcement capabilities, the expansion has also raised privacy concerns among residents and advocacy groups regarding surveillance and civil liberties.
Dallas Expands License Plate Reader Network to Enhance Public Safety
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Police Department (DPD) is significantly expanding its surveillance capabilities by installing additional license plate reader (LPR) cameras throughout the city. This initiative aims to bolster public safety and assist in criminal investigations.
Expansion Details
In February 2025, the DPD announced the deployment of 24 new LPR cameras in southwest Dallas. These advanced devices, manufactured by Flock Safety, are designed to scan and record license plate numbers, storing the data in a secure database for one year. The exact locations of these cameras have not been disclosed to the public. The total cost for the cameras and associated licenses was approximately $158,000.
Operational Benefits
The LPR cameras are intended to aid law enforcement in various ways, including:
- Locating missing persons
- Identifying wanted individuals
- Tracking suspects
- Gathering evidence to solve violent crimes
According to DPD spokesperson Corbin Rubinson, these cameras are “invaluable technology” for multiple police department divisions.
Privacy Considerations
The implementation of LPR technology has raised privacy concerns among some community members and advocacy groups. Critics argue that such surveillance could infringe on civil liberties by tracking individuals’ movements without their knowledge. In response, Flock Safety emphasizes that their system is built to “maximize public choice” and allows communities to establish public safety policies that best fit residents.
Background Context
The DPD has been utilizing automatic license plate readers since at least 2013. In February 2022, the Dallas City Council approved spending $820,000 over five years for 80 additional LPR cameras to be installed around the city. These cameras are part of the department’s broader strategy to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety.
As of now, the DPD continues to expand its network of LPR cameras, aiming to cover more areas of Dallas to improve law enforcement’s ability to respond to and prevent criminal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are license plate reader (LPR) cameras?
LPR cameras are devices that automatically scan and record license plate numbers of vehicles passing by. The data collected is stored in a database and can be used by law enforcement to track vehicles associated with criminal activity.
How does the Dallas Police Department use LPR cameras?
The DPD uses LPR cameras to locate missing persons, identify wanted individuals, track suspects, and gather evidence to solve violent crimes. The data collected helps officers respond more effectively to criminal activities.
What are the privacy concerns associated with LPR cameras?
Privacy advocates express concerns that LPR cameras could infringe on civil liberties by tracking individuals’ movements without their knowledge. There are also worries about data security and the potential misuse of collected information.
How long does the Dallas Police Department retain data from LPR cameras?
The DPD retains data collected from LPR cameras for one year. After this period, the data is deleted to protect individuals’ privacy.
Are the locations of LPR cameras disclosed to the public?
The DPD does not disclose the exact locations of LPR cameras to the public to prevent individuals from circumventing surveillance areas and to maintain the effectiveness of the system.
Key Features of Dallas’s License Plate Reader Network
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 24 new LPR cameras installed in southwest Dallas as of February 2025. |
| Data Retention Period | Data collected is stored for one year before deletion. |
| Cost | Approximately $158,000 for the new cameras and licenses. |
| Manufacturer | Flock Safety, a company specializing in public safety technology. |
| Privacy Measures | Data is hard-deleted after the retention period, and the system is designed to maximize public choice and privacy. |
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