The NYPD operates roughly 500 fixed and mobile automated license plate readers feeding the Microsoft-built Domain Awareness System, with annual public reporting required under the POST Act codified at Admin Code section 14-188.
The Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act, Local Law 65 of 2020, added Administrative Code section 14-188 requiring NYPD to publish an Impact and Use Policy for each surveillance technology including automated license plate readers. NYPD's published ALPR policy describes about 500 cameras feeding the Domain Awareness System co-developed with Microsoft, retaining hot-list hits indefinitely and routine plate reads for five years. Department of Investigation acts as inspector general under Admin Code section 803, auditing compliance. Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act 18 USC 2721 and NY Vehicle and Traffic Law section 201 limit secondary disclosure of plate data. Civilian Complaint Review Board cannot access ALPR records but may receive aggregated statistics.
Officers misusing ALPR data face NYPD discipline up to dismissal and criminal charges under Penal Law 156.30. Civil suits under 42 USC 1983 and Civil Rights Law 79-n can recover damages. POST Act non-compliance triggers DOI audits and Council subpoenas.
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