Politics
Rhode Island Gov. McKee urges police to limit sharing of license-plate camera data
Gov. Dan McKee is asking Rhode Island police departments to adopt a model policy for automated license-plate cameras, with guidance on when data may be shared and when it must be kept private. The rules are aimed at restricting access by ICE, limiting use in health-care investigations and preventing misuse.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is urging police agencies statewide to adopt rules governing automated license-plate reader cameras and the data they collect, including limits on sharing that information with other agencies.
The proposed model policy and accompanying guidance are intended to address concerns including access by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, use of camera data in health-care-related investigations and other potential misuse. McKee is asking police departments to establish clear standards for both sharing data and withholding it.
The request applies to law enforcement agencies across Rhode Island. The guidance is an appeal for departments to adopt a common policy; the available details do not specify whether compliance would be mandatory or describe particular restrictions or enforcement measures.
Automated license-plate readers capture vehicle plates and related information, which can be used to track a vehicle’s location. Clear limits on access and sharing can affect how that information is used beyond local policing, including in investigations involving people who may be especially vulnerable to surveillance.