Alexandria shuts down 61 fixed license plate readers

Alexandria has stopped collecting data from its fixed license plate readers, marking the end of an automated surveillance tool used by the local police department. The city’s fixed ALPR units are now decommissioned and no longer capture vehicle information.

The department operates 61 fixed cameras that previously scanned vehicle plates. These devices were installed to support criminal investigations and missing person cases. Under the previous operational framework, ALPR data was retained for exactly 21 days, a duration set by Virginia state law and internal department policy.

The Alexandria Police Department used the technology under specific restrictions. Officers could only search the database for vehicles linked to violations of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia. The data was not used for immigration enforcement, and access was limited to trained, authorized personnel. The department audited all searches to ensure documentation accuracy.

Federal agencies and law enforcement bodies outside of Virginia could not access ALPR data without a valid court order. This restriction applied regardless of the nature of the investigation. The department stated that the technology served as a lawful tool to solve crimes while respecting constitutional rights.

An ALPR alert functioned as an investigative lead rather than a confirmation of criminal activity. Officers were required to verify the accuracy of an alert before taking enforcement action. This verification process involved matching the license plate and other vehicle characteristics against the underlying information. A single alert did not automatically provide grounds to stop a vehicle.

The deactivation follows a review by the City Council, with details available in a public meeting recording. The department’s next steps for the program are outlined in that session. Current transparency metrics reflect searches conducted in September 2026. These figures are not real-time and will be updated on a roughly 30-day cycle.

The change removes the active data capture from the city’s infrastructure. The 61 cameras remain in place but no longer generate new records. The decision aligns with the department’s goal of maintaining public trust while utilizing available enforcement tools.