In 2023 the University contracted with Flock Safety to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems at all campus entrances, including the campuses in Johnson City and downtown Binghamton. The system allows the campus to provide another level of safety and security for those who live, teach, work and visit the campus. Before authorizing the system's installation, faculty, staff, student governance leaders and union leaders, were consulted and provided input and support. ALPR data access and searches are limited to valid law enforcement and campus safety purposes. The system is operated in compliance with New York State law and University policy, and any data access is restricted to legitimate campus safety and law enforcement purposes.
What is an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)?
An Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) is a computer-controlled camera system that captures images of vehicles and reads license plate numbers using optical character recognition technology. These systems can record plate information at a speed and accuracy beyond what a person could manually document.
ALPR technology is widely used by law enforcement agencies and transportation systems to support public safety and operational efficiency.
Why is the University using ALPR?
The system is intended to strengthen campus safety by providing better awareness of vehicles entering and exiting campus and by supporting faster response and investigations when needed.
This reflects:
- The national reality of serious safety incidents on college campuses
- Local and regional public safety concerns
- Campus-specific incidents where vehicle identification could support faster police response time
ALPR would add a tool to support proactive threat assessment and investigative capabilities.
What information would ALPR collect?
ALPR is focused solely on vehicle identification.
The system captures:
- Vehicle images
- License plate numbers
The system does not capture or identify:
- People
- Facial images or facial recognition data
- Gender, race, or ethnicity
How would ALPR be used?
ALPR access and searches are limited to valid law enforcement and campus safety purposes.
Proactive safety alerts
Vehicles associated with:
- Active threats or investigations
- Active restraining or protective orders
- Trespass or Persona Non Grata (PNG) status
- Stolen vehicles (NCIC database)
- Known safety concerns identified through threat assessment
Investigative support
- Missing or endangered student cases
- Theft or larceny investigations
- Motor vehicle incidents
- Vandalism
- Stalking or harassment cases
- Major incident investigations
Operational awareness
- Monitoring vehicles entering campus during overnight hours
- Supporting more efficient staffing and resource deployment
What uses are prohibited?
The system is not be used for:
- Traffic enforcement
- Immigration enforcement
- Personal or non-official use
- The University is prohibited by state law for using or allowing use for reproductive care enforcement
Access to the system would require a documented law enforcement purpose, and system access would be logged.
Will ALPR data be shared, accessed with/by federal immigration authorities (ICE)?
No. Under New York State’s Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act of 2019 (the “Green Light Law”), New York State agencies are prohibited from assisting federal immigration enforcement by sharing motor vehicle or related data.
Accordingly:
- Federal immigration agencies, including ICE, cannot access the University’s ALPR system.
- The University is not permitted to share ALPR data with federal immigration authorities.
The system is operated in compliance with New York State law and University policy, and any data access is restricted to legitimate campus safety and law enforcement purposes.
Where are cameras located?
- 8 fixed cameras covering the primary campus entrances/exits
- 6 in Johnson City and 2 in Downtown Binghamton
How long is the data stored, and who can access it?
ALPR data is automatically deleted by the vendor after 30 days, unless it is needed for an active criminal investigation and retained in accordance with New York State records requirements.
Access is tightly restricted:
- Only trained University Police command staff (Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, investigators, and designated supervisors) may search the system.
- Each search requires a case number or documented law enforcement reason.
- The system is subject to an annual audit by Internal Audit to review access and use.
Is there a campus policy?
Yes. A formal University policy addresses:
- Authorized uses
- Prohibited uses
- Access controls and oversight
- Data management and accountability