Madison, WI Privacy & Surveillance: License Plate Readers (2026)

63, the Use of Surveillance Technology ordinance, defines 'Surveillance Technology' to expressly include 'automatic license plate readers' alongside cell-site simulators, gunshot detection systems, facial recognition and gait-analysis software, and remotely-accessible cameras and drones. 63(4)(a) requires the request go to the Common Council through the budget process or a resolution. That request must document, among other items, the circumstances requiring the technology, staff training protocols, who administers accounts and access, the process for revoking access when an employee no longer needs it, the time period recorded data will be retained under the department's records-retention policy, a commitment to provide the Madison Police Department 'immediate access to all data recordings that may constitute evidence of a crime, unless otherwise prohibited by law,' and a flat prohibition on using the technology to monitor the interior of private dwellings absent a court order.

The Council approves a request only if it finds community benefits outweigh privacy interests and that no less-invasive alternative exists. Departments using ALPRs or other covered technology must file an Annual Surveillance Technology Report listing their current inventory, how collected data has been used, how it has been shared with outside entities, and any complaints received. Three narrow exceptions bypass advance Council approval: federal property-disposition acquisitions, genuine public-safety emergencies (subject to after-the-fact approval within 30 days), and technical patches or upgrades needed to protect City infrastructure.