Evaluating the use of license plate readers (LPRs)

“While UB already has a network of security cameras positioned across its three campuses, LPRs would provide University Police with a more robust tool to investigate and quickly solve campus crimes involving vehicles, including car thefts, larcenies and hit-and-run accidents,” says UB Police Chief Kimberly Beaty.

The safety and security of UB’s campuses — and the privacy of our campus communities — are always among the university’s highest priorities, Beaty notes.

UB began considering installing LPR technology last summer. In campus shooting investigations and other criminal investigations nationwide, LPR cameras have played an important role in helping law enforcement locate suspect vehicles and identify individuals involved in these incidents.

UB’s assessment of LPR technology as a security tool is one aspect of a larger effort to address and mitigate safety risks on campus. In accordance with state laws, UB is also replacing outdated security cameras and installing additional security cameras to expand coverage in public spaces. The university is also assessing technology solutions to secure access to building entrances. 

The LPR initiative calls for a 60-day trial period during which time University Police will evaluate the benefits of LPRs in solving crimes more efficiently. Twenty of the solar-powered Flock Safety LPRs are proposed for installation at entrances and exits on the North and South campuses.

LPR cameras capture license plate information and vehicle characteristics to accelerate investigations, identify suspect vehicles and assist in locating individuals involved in criminal activity. A timeline for the trial installation of the LPRs and their specific locations has not yet been determined. Following the trial period, the university would evaluate the technology and determine a policy on its continued utilization.

UB recognizes public concern about how personal privacy is affected by LPR technology. The university will establish appropriate safeguards, access restrictions and internal controls. That includes limiting access to only certain UPD investigators and conducting routine internal audits to ensure the technology is being used as lawfully intended.

• The data collected by the LPRs will be set by default to automatically delete after seven days (a new security safeguard announced by Flock Safety on Aug. 13), unless otherwise stipulated by UB Police for investigative purposes.
• Additionally, outside law enforcement agencies will not have unfettered access to UB’s systems — the university will opt out of Flock’s national database option.
• Data may be shared only in limited, controlled circumstances, such as when UB works with local law enforcement agencies for legitimate public safety purposes. In those cases, access is permission-based, auditable and limited to relevant investigations.
• The system will not be used for traffic enforcement or immigration enforcement. Under Executive Order 170, New York State agencies are prohibited from assisting federal immigration for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement.  This specifically includes resources and equipment such as LPRs. Further, 2019’s Green Light Law prohibits New York State agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement by sharing DMV driver or vehicle related data.
• The university will continue to evaluate this and other technology, its effectiveness and its privacy implications during the trial period. The university community will be kept informed during the review process.

“As always, the safety and security of our university community are paramount,” Beaty says. “A safe, secure and welcoming campus fosters an environment that supports learning, working, living and recreation for all members of our community.”

Since fall 2023, UB Parking and Transportation has successfully leveraged vehicle-mounted LPR cameras as part of the university’s virtual parking tag initiative.

UB’s parking enforcement vehicles are equipped with roof-mounted cameras that quickly observe license plate information and match it to what appears in the UB parking system.