To The Surprise Of No One, Cops Are Using ALPR Cameras To Stalk Their Exes

Why It Matters

These abuses erode public trust in law‑enforcement data tools and underscore urgent privacy and accountability gaps that demand stronger oversight and regulation.

Key Takeaways

• Institute for Justice documented 14 police ALPR stalking cases since 2024
• Majority of targets were women, often ex‑partners or strangers
• Offenders faced charges, resignations, but six avoided any penalty
• Private firms like Flock give officers near‑real‑time camera access

Pulse Analysis

Automatic license‑plate readers (ALPR) have become a staple of modern policing, offering agencies the ability to scan millions of plates daily and flag stolen vehicles or warrants. The technology’s value is amplified when paired with private camera networks—most notably those operated by firms like Flock Safety—that stream‑line live‑feed access across entire municipalities. While these tools can enhance public safety, their pervasive deployment creates a data reservoir that is easily exploitable by individual officers, especially when internal controls are weak or nonexistent.

Recent investigations reveal a disturbing pattern: officers repeatedly leveraging ALPR data to stalk current partners, ex‑spouses, or even random women they encounter in public. The Institute for Justice’s review uncovered 14 confirmed cases, with the majority of victims being women. Legal outcomes have varied; many officers faced criminal charges or were forced out of service, yet a notable fraction escaped punishment, illustrating the uneven enforcement of existing policies. This gendered misuse not only violates privacy rights but also amplifies existing power imbalances between law‑enforcement personnel and the communities they serve.

The broader implication is clear—without robust oversight, the line between legitimate surveillance and personal abuse blurs. Policymakers and municipal leaders must institute transparent audit trails, strict access logs, and independent review boards to monitor ALPR usage. Additionally, contractual safeguards with private vendors should limit data access to mission‑critical purposes and impose penalties for violations. Strengthening these safeguards can restore public confidence, protect civil liberties, and ensure that powerful surveillance tools serve safety, not personal vendettas.