Reno Approves $22 Million License Plate Reader Contract

The City of Reno approved a nearly $22 million contract with Axon for Advanced License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, ending its previous agreement with Flock. The new contract provides law enforcement vehicles with roaming ALPR cameras to increase officer efficiency. Reno Police Chief Corey Solferino stated the move provides the public with the security and guardrails they requested while holding officers accountable.

State leadership in Nevada remains divided over the technology. Governor Joe Lombardo supports the responsible use of ALPRs to fight crime, provided they are accompanied by strong safeguards. Conversely, Attorney General Aaron Ford opposes the use of Flock cameras until privacy protections are codified into law, citing serious concerns regarding the right to privacy.

Public opposition has led the ACLU of Nevada and Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch to develop a Bill Draft Request for the next legislative session to either regulate the technology or implement an outright ban. Similar tensions have emerged in Minnesota, where critics have targeted the data-sharing policies of Flock. In Winona, Minnesota, the Winona Police Department decided not to replace eight Flock cameras after they were stolen and destroyed by opponents of the technology.