In The News
The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that public comment will be open on September 15th for the Salt Lake City (SLC) Council’s newest Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) ordinance. The ordinance is designed to shore up regulations in the use of ALPRs provided by Motorola.
Here’s My Take
The proposed ordinance is good, but not great. And in 2026, with technology ever-changing, we can strive to do better. There are no warrant requirements in the proposed ordinance for requesting Utahns’ information from out-of-state law enforcement agencies. Additionally, so long as SLCPD provides “prior written consent,” ALPR footage and data can be shared with other agencies. This footage can be shared with those agencies, in or out of state, for a bona fide criminal investigation or the prosecution of a case. The standard for prior written consent is not outlined in this ordinance. What does this mean for Salt Lake City residents? A letter is sufficient for government agencies to request your information.
Citizens should be aware of the data retention policies outlined, as well as who owns the data and information, even after a contract is canceled.
The bigger question to consider, especially as technology advances, is whether we want to live in a surveillance state at all. Our civil liberties should not change just because technology evolves and law enforcement has new tools.
Make your voice heard to the Salt Lake City Council on September 15, 2026. Registration opens here 24 hours before to sign up for public comment or submit written comments.
