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License plate reader (LPR) systems, while initially used to detect stolen vehicles and plates, are increasingly being tapped for a variety of investigations.

• Authorities can retrieve LPR data to determine vehicles in the vicinity of a crime scene.
• The system can provide photos of those vehicles to confirm suspect alibis.
• LPR data can be used to analyze crime patterns.

Many privacy advocates have challenged the practice of storing LPR data not associated with a specific crime.

• Some police departments lack clear guidance on storing plate data, leaving privacy advocates to fear it can be kept and retrieved indefinitely.
• Some privacy advocates, departments, and lawmakers have moved to codify police procedures on recording these data; some have banned the technology's use outright.

LPR systems can be beneficial in providing assistance in any type of investigation, provided the necessary data are available to support the systems.

• Systems with the most database access and longest retention policies are the most beneficial because they can provide the greatest number of alerts and the ability to retrieve LPR data over time across law enforcement activities.
• System maintenance and data storage can increase cost. If an agency's database can be made part of existing information technology infrastructure, its maintenance costs can be lessened.