Title
Briefing on Automated License Plate Reader Education Session Held August 27, 2026, Discussion on Community Feedback, and Council Input to Recommended Changes to Operational Policy and 3rd-Party Audits
Body
Background
Agreement with Motorola was approved September 5, 2023 in the total amount of $446,540 over 5-years, for body worn cameras and included automated license plate reader technology - initially utilized by patrol vehicle dash cam then expanded to stationary cameras attached to poles. This agreement utilized the state contracting for the procurement for vendor selection.
Agreement with Axon was approved January 20, 2026 in the total amount of $6.8M over ten-years, included body worn cameras and license plate readers, but also integrated other cameras utilized by Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD), such as the cameras in the evidence and interview rooms, and assisted with the efficiency of managing public records request responses. This agreement utilized the cooperative contracting service of Sourcewell as the procurement for vendor selection.
Earlier this summer, community concerns arose questioning the mass collection of data by cameras in the public rights-of-ways. LAPD first addressed these concerns on June 30, 2026 with a presentation to Council on cameras and data collection throughout Los ALamos County. As a follow-up to that discussion, a community meeting was scheduled and held on September 27, 2026 to further demonstrate the technology capabilities of what LAPD currently uses, and receive questions and feedback from members of the public.
Current Status
LAPD will present on the topics of concerns received at the September 27th meeting. Attachment D includes all of the cards and online questions received at that meeting. Attachment E includes comments received on the County's Have Your Say Forum. Attachment G is LAPD's presentation slides including recommendations for further policy and practice revisions. Staff would like to recognize this is an ongoing concern nationally and internationally. Because technology is changing rapidly, it is important to review and revise what is necessary to maintain the trust of the public.
Additional information can be found on the County's ALPR webpage: (link <https://www.losalamosnm.gov/Community/Have-your-say-Los-Alamos/Community-discussion-on-Automatic-License-Plate-Recognition-system>) and includes a recording of the September 27th meeting and LAPD responses to questions from members of the public - some of which are still a work-in-progress.
Although this presentation is a non-action item, Police Chief Sgambellone welcomes the input of the community and Council on how we can provide the policies and oversight appropriate to ensure misuse is prevented.
Attachments
A - Incorporated County of Los Alamos No. AGR26-858
B - Axon ALPR Data Governance Product Card
C - PD Policy 206 Automated License Plate Readers
D - Question Cards from September 27, 2026 Session
E - Public Comment from Have Your Say
F - PD Policy Acknowledgement Form
G - Presentation Slides