Colorado Springs: Op-Ed: License Plate Readers Are a Critical Public Safety Tool

~ Colorado Springs Mayor Urges Lawmakers to Reconsider Legislation Threatening Public Safety Tool

In Colorado Springs, public safety is a top priority for local government officials. Mayor Yemi Mobolade recognizes the crucial role that the city's police department, firefighters, and first responders play in keeping the community safe. In order to support these essential workers, the city has embraced technology as part of its public safety strategy.

One of the most effective tools utilized by the Colorado Springs Police Department since 2009 is automated license plate reader technology. This technology involves cameras placed at key roadways that capture images of passing vehicles and record basic information such as license plate numbers, time, and location. This data can then be used by law enforcement to locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and track vehicles connected to crimes.

However, a new legislation currently under consideration in the Colorado General Assembly threatens to undermine this important public safety tool. Senate Bill 70 would significantly restrict how law enforcement can access this data by requiring officers to obtain a warrant before searching license plate reader databases for historical location information in many situations. It would also impose strict limits on how long this information can be retained.

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While well-intentioned, Mayor Mobolade argues that this proposal would render the technology far less useful in critical situations where response time is crucial. He gives an example of a recent case in Colorado Springs where an Amber Alert was issued for a two-year-old child with limited information available. Thanks to immediately available license plate reader data, officers were able to quickly locate the vehicle connected to the case and find the child unharmed within two hours.

Mayor Mobolade also highlights how this technology is crucial in hit-and-run crashes where witnesses may only remember limited details about the suspect vehicle. With license plate reader technology, investigators can quickly search nearby cameras and narrow down possibilities within minutes. Without this ability, justice becomes much more difficult to achieve.

The mayor also emphasizes the personal emergencies that families experience every day, such as a grandfather with Alzheimer's who becomes disoriented and drives away. In these situations, license plate reader systems can help law enforcement trace the last known location of the vehicle and bring the loved one home safely.

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It is important to note that these cameras do not track people in private spaces and only capture information that is already visible to anyone on a public roadway. Additionally, many local governments, including Colorado Springs, have strict policies in place governing the use of this technology and who can access the information.

Mayor Mobolade stresses that public safety and privacy are not mutually exclusive and that reasonable safeguards can be implemented while still allowing law enforcement to use effective tools to protect communities. He urges lawmakers to reconsider Senate Bill 70 and work with local governments and law enforcement to find a balanced solution that protects both public safety and civil liberties.

In conclusion, Mayor Mobolade reminds lawmakers that their residents expect them to use every responsible tool available to protect them. By passing this legislation as currently written, they risk taking away an important tool for public safety. The mayor urges lawmakers to work together with local governments and law enforcement to find a solution that benefits everyone.

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