Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program

The Morton Grove Police Department utilizes Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology as a public safety and investigative tool to assist with criminal investigations, locate wanted or missing persons, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and provide officers with timely information that can help prevent and solve crimes.

The Department uses two vendors for license plate recognition data: Flock Safety and Axon. Flock Safety is the Department’s only fixed ALPR camera vendor within the Village of Morton Grove. These cameras are strategically located along public roadways and capture license plate and vehicle information from passing vehicles. In addition, Morton Grove Police squad cars are equipped with Axon Fleet 3 in-car camera systems, which provide video evidence while also capturing license plate information encountered by officers during normal patrol operations.

Regardless of the source, ALPR information may only be accessed and used for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in accordance with Department policy and Illinois law. Access is limited to trained and authorized personnel, and searches require a valid case number and documented law enforcement reason. ALPR data may not be used for personal purposes or other unauthorized activity.

The Department maintains safeguards designed to ensure responsible use and accountability. Searches and access are logged and subject to supervisory review and auditing to verify compliance with Department policy and applicable law. These safeguards allow the Department to benefit from ALPR technology while protecting individual privacy and maintaining transparency and accountability.

ALPR technology does not identify the driver of a vehicle, determine whether a crime has occurred, or independently establish probable cause. Rather, it provides investigative information that officers must evaluate along with other facts and circumstances. The Morton Grove Police Department remains committed to using this technology responsibly as one of many tools available to enhance public safety and support effective criminal investigations.

The Morton Grove Police Department uses ALPR technology in compliance with applicable Illinois law, including Section 2-130 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/2-130), which establishes restrictions on the use, access, and sharing of ALPR information. The Department is committed to ensuring that ALPR information is accessed, used, and shared only for authorized law enforcement purposes and in accordance with applicable statutory requirements, Department policy, and established safeguards for privacy, accountability, and responsible data use.

Illinois Vehicle Code — 625 ILCS 5/2-130:
View Section 2-130 on the Illinois General Assembly website