The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office hosted a multi-agency press conference on October 21 at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, 1840 Richmond Parkway, Richmond, to discuss the benefits of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology, address community concerns, and encourage greater public participation in crime prevention efforts.

Sheriff Eric Fagan, joined by local law enforcement leaders, discussed how the technology supports criminal investigations, enhances interagency collaboration, and assists law enforcement in protecting communities throughout Fort Bend County.

Appearing with Fagan were Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Missouri City Police Chief Troy Finner, Fulshear Police Chief David Gott, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable Patrick Qui, Chief Richard Ramirez from Stafford and Chief Bryon Woytek from Katy, among others.

Fagan said that law enforcement officials were hearing citizens’ concerns about the misuse of license plate readers and cameras by a small number of officers. “Today we stand united in our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible use of this vital technology,” Fagan said “We cannot afford to lose this vital tool that helps us solve crimes, locate missing loved ones including individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or autism. We all support policies that restrict automated license plate readers’ use to legitimate law enforcement purposes.”

While each agency maintains its own policies, Fagan said that they all agree on four essential safeguards:

· A valid case or event number

· A legitimate reason for every search

· A robust monthly audit

· Accountability for misuse, including disciplinary action, up to and including indefinite suspension

Fagan said that the agencies would protect the technology and would hold officers accountable for its proper use.

DA Brian Middleton said that misuse of any data from the cameras is a crime and that information regarding such misuse should be sent to his office so that those individuals could be

held accountable. Middleton also called for support from the state legislature in drafting tougher laws “so that we can be sure that these abuses don’t occur.”

The press conference also addressed common misconceptions and privacy concerns surrounding the technology, while providing residents with a better understanding of its capabilities, intended uses, and potential benefits.