News-Gazette, Town Hall #1: automated license plate readers (ALPRs)
Urbana, IL (News-Gazette)—Retired Urbana High School librarian THERESA MICHELSON, co-coordinator of the Southeast Urbana Neighborhood Association and longtime member of the Champaign County League of Women Voters asks: Explain why you are in favor or against the city of Urbana purchasing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to be used by the Urbana Police Department.
“As a community that welcomes people from around the world, Urbana must prioritize public safety and equip the city with tools to protect residents effectively. I support adopting automatic license plate readers to enhance safety under clear, data-driven and transparent guidelines, safeguarding our civil rights and liberties. Champaign is authorized to install 66 ALPR units with monthly audits of searches (per the city website).
“ALPRs have proven invaluable in solving serious crimes like missing persons cases, carjackings, vehicle thefts, sexual assaults, shootings and homicides. In 2023 alone, ALPRs contributed to well over 100 successful investigations in neighboring communities.
“Urbana currently lacks this vital tool, while nearby areas — including Champaign, Savoy, Rantoul, Champaign County and the University of Illinois — use ALPRs and share data to aid investigations. With only three to four Urbana police officers on duty at any time, our police department is stretched thin. ALPRs would enable quicker, more efficient responses to crime, especially with limited resources.
“A two-year pilot program, modeled after Champaign’s, would allow Urbana to monitor ALPR use, gather community feedback and ensure responsible implementation.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and adopting this technology is a critical step to better protect all Urbana residents.” —ANNIE ADAMS
