Harrisburg Police Outline Use and Limits of Automated License Plate Readers
Harrisburg police explain how Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) work, what they record, their intended uses, and the safeguards in place to prevent misuse.
The City of Harrisburg Bureau of Police says its ALPRs capture moment-in-time photos of license plates and log date, time and basic vehicle descriptions; they do not record live video or identify vehicle occupants or contents. HBPD uses VIPR as its ALPR vendor (not Flock) and employs the technology to locate suspects, assist in child abduction or endangered-person cases, recover stolen vehicles, and support investigations. The department requires independent verification of ALPR hits before action, mandates officers record a report number and reason for searches, conducts monthly audits, enforces discipline for misuse, and operates as a PLEAC-accredited agency.