10/14/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPPD policy update reaffirms commitment to responsible, transparent use of automated license plate readers
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The Overland Park Police Department is pleased to announce an update to its policy governing the use of automated license plate reader technology.
Automated license plate reader technology uses computer technology and cameras to automatically read and capture vehicle license plate numbers.
The Overland Park Police Department works to ensure officers serving the community have access to modern policing technology, while balancing the need for transparency, oversight and strong privacy protections.
Key components of the policy update include:
A commitment to use automated license plate reader technology and record ethically and transparently.
Defined categories for appropriate and prohibited uses.
Mandatory training for all authorized users.
Requirements for formal agreements and detailed written requests before sharing data with outside law enforcement agencies.
Enhanced internal audit protocols.
Clear enforcement procedures for misuse of the system, should it occur.
A reduced data retention schedule.
Automated license plate reader technology is a vital investigative and public safety tool that helps officers locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles connected to serious crimes, develop investigative leads and locate missing or endangered individuals. Overland Park officers have used the technology since 2011.
Department leadership stresses that capability must be matched with clear accountability.
“I recognize that technology in policing can raise legitimate questions and concerns,” said Overland Park Police Chief Doreen Jokerst. “It is important that we acknowledge those concerns rather than shy away from them. Our approach cannot simply be about technology. It must be about the governance surrounding it: strong policy, training, limited access, auditing, data retention, human verification, transparency and ongoing evaluation.”
As part of this effort, the Overland Park Police Department proactively engaged with community stakeholders, privacy advocates and organizations holding diverse perspectives to refine department guidelines. This process included the ACLU of Kansas, which issued the following statement:
"The Overland Park Police Department has engaged in an open, transparent dialogue about its policy on the use of ALPRs. Chief Jokerst and the Department have sought the views of a wide range of individuals and organizations, including those like ours, who have divergent perspectives. The OPPD's willingness to meaningfully engage and take steps to address our concerns is commendable. The ACLU of Kansas will continue to advocate for ending the use of ALPRs entirely, but the updated OPPD policy is a significant step forward in limiting ALPR use, scope and data retention in ways that seek to protect individual rights. We are committed to continuing the respectful, constructive dialogue which Chief Jokerst and OPPD initiated about ALPRs, including by calling for reduced data retention periods and limits on data sharing."
Technology represents one component of a broader, integrated approach to keeping Overland Park a safe place to live, work and visit. Our department will continue to evaluate automated license plate reader technology and all department systems as laws change, technologies progress, operational needs develop and community expectations evolve.
The updated policy is available on the department’s Police Transparency website and in the library of Police Department policies.
https://public.powerdms.com/OPPD1/tree/documents/288
Public Information Officer John Lacy #653
