Welcome to theCity of AuroraColorado

A key part of the Aurora Police Department's Real Time Information Center is camera integration. APD utilizes cameras from a variety of sources to make this happen, including city-owned cameras and cameras equipped with Automated License Plate Reading Technology.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Cameras and How They Are Used

Automated License Plate Reading Cameras, or ALPRs, are cameras located along public roadways with the sole purpose of capturing license plate information along with basic vehicle characteristics, including color, make, and visible identifying features such as stickers, racks, or toolboxes, to assist with criminal investigations. Vehicle characteristics can remain useful even when license plates are removed, changed, or obscured, allowing investigators to continue identifying vehicles connected to criminal activity. The cameras do not capture people/faces, gender, or race/ethnicity. Additionally, officers cannot search the ALPR data for criteria that the cameras do not capture.

ALPRs have assisted in solving serious crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and kidnappings. APD has been using ALPR technology under strict policies and in accordance with the United States Constitution and State Law for over 15 years.

ALPR images and data are not publicly accessible; all data collected is exclusively for official law enforcement purposes and must adhere to Colorado State laws. The release of ALPR data to anyone other than a law enforcement agency is prohibited, unless authorized by law.. Any data found using an ALPR must be confirmed by officers before taking any law enforcement action.

ALPR Use Policy

All technology APD uses is strictly governed by federal, state, and local laws, and all systems are used in a manner that is constitutionally sound. Additionally, the city and APD have several policies in place to regulate the use of technology. All systems track use and are auditable. See below for specific policies related to APD ALPR use.

Transparency and Accountability

To maintain trust and provide visibility into how ALPR technology is used in Aurora, the department has a public LPR Transparency Portal. The portal includes:

• The number of cameras in use

• Data on system searches

• Statistics on the volume of vehicles detected

• Prohibited uses

• Data retention

The Transparency Portal will be automatically updated on a daily basis.

Community Connect Aurora

Some community partners have already chosen to share certain security camera feeds with the RTIC to help improve safety in their area. These partnerships are voluntary and follow department guidelines and applicable laws. Shared cameras are used only for legitimate public safety purposes, and businesses choose which cameras they would like to share.

Residents and businesses are not required to share their cameras. Instead, they can choose to register that they have cameras at their home or business. If a crime occurs nearby, officers may contact the registered owner and ask them to review their footage. They can then let us know if their camera captured anything that may help with the investigation.

Participation in this program is completely voluntary. For more information about this program, visit: https://communityconnectaurora.org.