RWPD License Plate Readers

The Red Wing Police Department has installed six stationary automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

The camera has already identified a stolen car this week and an arrest was made quickly.

They want residents to understand why this technology is being used and safeguards that apply.

An ALPR is a camera system that takes photos of vehicles and license plates as they drive past. The camera record a vehicle’s license plate number, note when and where a vehicle passed the camera, and take photos of the vehicle and the nearby area.

The system checks license plates against approved law‑enforcement databases such as stolen vehicles, AMBER Alerts, or vehicles linked to serious crimes.

ALPRs are investigative tools. They do not prove that a crime has occurred. ALPR cameras do not use facial recognition and do not identify people inside a vehicle.

ALPR cameras do not measure speed, record audio, or issue any type of traffic citation.

Only trained and authorized personnel can access the system, and only for approved law‑enforcement purposes. Unauthorized use, including personal, political, discriminatory, or retaliatory use, is strictly prohibited.

The City may share data only as permitted by Minnesota law, applicable data practices requirements, department policy, or a court order, warrant, or other legal process. Any sharing with another law enforcement agency must be connected to a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

ALPR technology has existed since the mid‑1970s.

Today, it’s widely used in public safety and in everyday settings such as parking ramps, businesses, curbside pickup at retail stores, drive‑through services, and toll systems.

If the data is not part of an active criminal investigation the city must delete it within 60 days.

For more details, go to https://www.redwingmn.gov/.