Round Rock is doubling down on its surveillance efforts while nearby localities back away from similar technologies. The Round Rock City Council has made a unanimous decision to bolster its network of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) with a purchase of 40 additional cameras, sparking a mix of concern and support among residents. According to CBS Austin, the expansion comes at a cost of $181,000, with 30 cameras to be deployed on police vehicles and 10 placed at fixed points in the city. This move is part of a 15-year-long crime-fighting initiative that now includes cameras provided by Flock Safety since 2022.
While some cite privacy concerns over the increase of ALPRs, Round Rock police tout the technology's effectiveness in criminal investigations. Police Chief Allen Banks emphasized the cameras' role in providing crucial evidence. "I have a number of cases I can talk about that they have helped us solve, helped us put folks in jail that deserve to go to jail," Banks told CBS Austin. To allay privacy fears, Banks assured the City Council that the cameras capture only the rear of vehicles, not the occupants. The data collected is purportedly set to be deleted after 30 days unless used in a criminal investigation. According to a Community Impact report, Banks clarified, "It will not tell me who’s driving that vehicle."
Public reaction remains split. Some Round Rock citizens, like Alejandro Cano, express guarded support for the system if transparency is upheld. "A little extra security here and there, I don't see a big issue with it," Cano said in a statement obtained by CBS Austin. However, these developments stand in contrast to cities like San Marcos and Austin, with the former discontinuing expansion and the latter ending its ALPR program after a trial period, amid data handling and privacy concerns.
As the technology continues to spread across Round Rock, assurances of accountability are paramount. Chief Banks outlined auditing processes and disciplinary measures for any misuse. "If for some reason one of the officers is doing what they’re not supposed to, our intel analysts, there are disciplinary actions that they will face," Banks explained in an interview with CBS Austin. This regional approach towards policing continues to evolve, finding itself at a crossroads between enhanced security measures and the community's right to privacy.
