Police Have Reportedly Used License Plate Readers to Stalk Romantic Interests at Least 16 Times in Recent Years

An Institute for Justice review documented at least 16 cases of officers nationwide allegedly abusing ALPR data to stalk romantic interests, current partners, exes, or strangers, with most cases concentrated since 2024. Only a handful of cases surfaced via internal audits—most came to light because victims reported the behavior themselves, raising fundamental questions about whether ALPR systems can be policed from within.