NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is defending its use of automated license plate recognition technology as the cameras face growing scrutiny over privacy and data collection.
Flock Safety license plate readers are already used across Middle Tennessee, and privacy concerns recently drew residents to a Murfreesboro City Council meeting. Critics have raised questions about who can access the information collected and how it can be used.
TBI said Friday that ALPR information has helped investigators locate missing people, identify vehicles connected to wanted suspects and develop leads in criminal cases.
In one 2026 case, the agency said license plate information in Georgia helped narrow the search for a 1-year-old taken from Tennessee before the child was safely found during a traffic stop. TBI said the technology also helped track a missing at-risk adult from Tennessee to Colorado.
The bureau said ALPR results are treated as investigative leads, not conclusive evidence, and access is limited to trained, authorized personnel.
TBI also said its policies prohibit personal, political, retaliatory, discriminatory and other unauthorized uses, while requiring auditing and reviews.
“When used properly and purposefully, Automated License Plate Recognition technology can be a valuable tool in our mission to protect and serve,” TBI Director David Rausch said.
Rausch added that the technology must be used “responsibly, with clear rules and meaningful accountability.”
Kelsey Gibbs brings us a powerful story of humanity, compassion, and love in action while showing us the hard and lifesaving work our officers do daily. Nashville is lucky to have people like Lt. Hotz wearing the badge.
- Carrie Sharp
