The Austin City Council Work Session on June 3, 2025, focused on the effectiveness of the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system utilized by the Austin Police Department (APD) in solving violent crimes. The session highlighted various crime statistics and specific cases where ALPR played a crucial role in investigations.

The meeting began with a presentation detailing the impact of the ALPR system on crime resolution. The speaker emphasized that the data represented multiple incidents across various ZIP codes, clarifying that the numbers should not be misconstrued as singular events. Key crime categories discussed included capital murder, murder, aggravated robbery, and auto theft.

The speaker outlined that capital murder, defined as a homicide occurring during the commission of a felony, was reported in four ZIP codes. The APD successfully used ALPR data to identify suspects in these cases. Similarly, a minimum of a dozen ZIP codes reported murders, with the ALPR system aiding in the apprehension of suspects involved in these homicides.

Aggravated robbery, characterized by the use of a weapon during theft, was noted in approximately two dozen cases across various ZIP codes. The speaker provided examples of incidents where suspects fired weapons during these robberies, underscoring the violent nature of these crimes. The APD's use of ALPR and other investigative techniques was credited with preventing further harm by apprehending suspects before they could escalate their actions.

Specific cases were highlighted, including two murders from 2024 and 2025, where ALPR data helped track down suspects shortly after the incidents. In one case, a suspect was arrested with a firearm that matched evidence from the crime scene. Another series of aggravated robberies was discussed, where suspects displayed a willingness to use firearms against victims, further illustrating the dangers posed by these individuals.

The session concluded with a call for continued support of the ALPR system, emphasizing its role in enhancing public safety and aiding law enforcement in addressing violent crime in Austin. The council members acknowledged the importance of these tools in maintaining community safety and preventing further incidents.