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1. How long has the LPR system been around?

The City has used License Plate Recognition and surveillance cameras since 2009. This technology has been used by cities for several years.

2. Will the cameras monitor major cross streets within subdivisions?

The City will only focus on major streets and intersections at entrances and exits throughout the City. Partnerships will be developed with homeowner associations and local businesses that have their own camera system.

3. Will the footage be publicly available?

No. The City will follow applicable laws, including the Freedom of Information Act.

4. How will the cameras be used?

The system will be used as a passive investigative tool where data is stored and can later be searched for criminal leads after a crime occurs.

5. Will the cameras be monitored?

There will not be live monitoring. The system will be used as a passive investigative tool, storing data that can later be searched for criminal leads after a crime occurs.

6. Are other cities using cameras in this way?

Some are using a combination of monitored video systems and passive license plate recognition systems. Many cities across the country use cameras for similar purposes, but none are using them in the exact way that Sugar Land envisions.

7. How will the City prevent misuse of the camera system?

The Police Department will have policies and procedures in place that will govern the use, length of time camera data will be saved, and identify who will have access to camera data. These policies will be developed with the input from the citizens and direction from the City Council.

8. Will the LPR camera data (images) be shared with other agencies or the federal government?

The camera data will not be shared with other agencies unless it is needed for a specific criminal investigation. Authorization from the chief of police will be required before camera data is shared with another agency.

9. What specifically will the License Plate Recognition Cameras record?

The LPR cameras will be located on major public streets throughout the city and aimed directly at the lane of traffic. The intent is to capture vehicle license plates. The LPR cameras will not record private areas such as houses, backyards, or other private property. The cameras typically do not record facial images or the interior of vehicles.

10. How long will the LPR camera data be saved?

The Police Department is recommending saving the camera data for 30 days.