Oklahoma Lawmaker Urges Action on Misuse of ALPR Cameras

URGENT UPDATE: An Oklahoma lawmaker is demanding immediate action over the misuse of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) by law enforcement. Representative Tom Gann (R-Inola) claims that these cameras, intended to ensure drivers are insured, are being abused, infringing on citizens’ 4th Amendment rights.

During a meeting earlier this month, Gann revealed alarming instances of misuse, stating, “These are serious violations of people’s rights and this comes from a lack of internal controls.” He emphasized that if no swift action is taken, the repercussions could lead to severe violations against Oklahoma residents.

ALPRs were legalized in 2018 to support the Compulsory Insurance Law, aiming to curb the number of uninsured drivers on Oklahoma roads. However, Gann pointed out that reports from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office indicate these cameras are frequently used for purposes unrelated to insurance verification. Attorney Shena Burgess corroborated this, stating, “They use the Automated License Plate Readers all the time, for purposes that have nothing to do with whether or not the vehicles have insurance.”

The Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion (UVED) program has praised the effectiveness of ALPRs in reducing the number of uninsured vehicles significantly. However, Gann’s concerns highlight a darker side: misreads can lead to wrongful stops, putting innocent citizens at risk. He recounted a disturbing incident where a woman and her 12-year-old sister were held at gunpoint due to a misread license plate.

Gann warns that without proper oversight and internal controls, the misuse of these cameras will only create more victims. He stated, “We have victims of mass surveillance out there already,” stressing the urgent need for regulation.

Burgess echoed these concerns, noting that the growing misuse of ALPRs could have legal ramifications. “Once challenges start happening, civil lawsuits are going to follow,” she said, indicating that taxpayers may ultimately bear the costs of these violations.

The meeting was initially intended to be a collaborative effort with Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta), but Gann took the lead, prompting Turner to withdraw from the proceedings. Both lawmakers are committed to seeking a resolution regarding the misuse of ALPR cameras.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how Oklahoma can balance effective law enforcement with the protection of citizens’ rights. The urgency for regulatory measures is palpable, and further developments are expected in the coming days.

Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue affecting the rights of Oklahoma drivers.