Concerns over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) took center stage at the Austin Community Police Review Commission meeting on June 20, 2025. Marina Roberts, a local mother, passionately voiced her opposition to the technology, highlighting its potential for misuse and lack of proven effectiveness in reducing crime rates.

Roberts pointed out that while the city council recently allowed a one-year ALPR pilot program to expire, there are plans for a new proposal to be presented in the coming months. She argued that despite claims from law enforcement and ALPR vendors, research indicates that these systems do not significantly lower crime rates. Instead, she warned that companies like Flock and Axon profit primarily by acting as data brokers, collecting extensive information on vehicle locations that could compromise residents' privacy.

Roberts also cited alarming instances of ALPR misreads, including a case in Aurora, Colorado, where a family was wrongfully arrested due to a misidentified license plate. This incident resulted in a $1.6 million settlement for the city. Furthermore, she raised concerns about police misuse of ALPR data, referencing cases where officers stalked former partners using the technology without facing consequences.

In response, commission members acknowledged the seriousness of Roberts' concerns and expressed a willingness to investigate the Austin Police Department's use of ALPRs. They encouraged her to present her points to other relevant city commissions to ensure her voice is heard.

The discussion underscored a growing unease within the community regarding surveillance technologies and their implications for civil liberties, setting the stage for further debate as the city considers the future of ALPRs in Austin.