Missouri Enforces Strict Controls on Automated License Plate Readers

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has taken a historic step in safeguarding citizen privacy by signing Executive Order 26-18 on September 16, 2026. This executive order implements strict regulations surrounding the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology across the state, specifically targeting law enforcement agencies and those that are state-funded. The goal is to create a balanced approach that recognizes the importance of ALPR systems in law enforcement while also protecting citizens' constitutional rights to privacy.

The executive order mandates that any data collected via ALPR be deleted within 30 days, effectively limiting how long law enforcement agencies can store this sensitive information. Furthermore, it prohibits the commercialization of the data collected and restricts its application solely to legitimate criminal justice purposes. This is a significant pivot from past practices that have permitted broader uses of the data. By explicitly banning integration of the ALPR data with AI facial recognition technology, this order sets a precedent for privacy rights in technological advancements within law enforcement.

This development comes in light of growing concerns related to misuse of collected data. The alarming instance of a New York Sheriff's investigator being arrested for conducting unauthorized searches using Flock Safety cameras underscores the urgent need for regulation. Such breaches not only jeopardize individual privacy but also compromise public trust in law enforcement agencies. As stated by Governor Kehoe, "Protecting citizens also means protecting their constitutional rights," emphasizing the foundation of this executive order on safeguarding civil liberties.

With technology innovation embedded in law enforcement practices, executive orders like 26-18 aim to clarify the legal frameworks governing the operation of such technologies. In this regard, this order not only holds immediate implications for Missouri's procurement strategies but sets a potential model for states across the nation. Law enforcement agencies must now adapt their procurement specifications and contract terms to not only comply with the new regulations but also ensure that their technology infrastructure reflects these requirements.

In practice, vendors providing ALPR solutions, like Flock Safety, face new operational challenges. They must ensure that their products align with the 30-day data retention rule and comply with restrictions placed on data usage and commercialization. Failure to adhere to these conditions could severely impact their eligibility for state contracts and influence future business opportunities. As the demand for law enforcement automation technologies grows, vendors will need to prioritize compliance to maintain their competitive edge.

Moving forward, procurement professionals in both law enforcement and technology sectors should closely monitor how this executive order shapes the negotiations and specifications in future contracts. As Missouri embarks on this journey towards a more privacy-conscious approach to law enforcement technology, similar initiatives could emerge in other states, prompting vendors to adapt their strategies for compliance and procurement.

The implications of Executive Order 26-18 extend beyond just immediate adjustments for ALPR vendors and law enforcement agencies. They signify a regulatory environment prioritizing the protection of citizens' rights, urging both public and private sectors to potentially reevaluate their data practices, ethics, and overall operational transparency. Continuous engagement between lawmakers and vendors may establish essential guidelines that balance the effectiveness of modern policing tools whilst respecting individual privacy rights.

• Procurement professionals should note the new operational restrictions impacting ALPR system capabilities and data management requirements in Missouri.
• Vendors like Flock Safety must ensure their products and services comply with data deletion timelines and usage limitations to remain eligible for state contracts.
• Agencies will need to adjust procurement specifications and contract terms to align with the executive order's prohibitions on data commercialization and AI facial recognition integration.
• The executive order signals a regulatory environment emphasizing privacy and constitutional protections, which may influence future procurement policies and vendor evaluations in Missouri and potentially other states.
• Immediate compliance requirements create a need for rapid adaptation by law enforcement agencies currently using ALPR technologies.
• The focus on citizen privacy may push other states to consider similar rulings, increasing regulatory scrutiny of law enforcement data practices across the country.
• The importance of transparency in vendor practices is underscored, calling for innovations that prioritize ethical use of technology.
• Agencies may need to enhance training and procedures to protect against misuse of ALPR technology as outlined in the executive order.
• Set precedents for the evolving landscape of law enforcement technology procurement at both state and national levels.
• Continuous dialogue among stakeholders could lead to best practice frameworks that protect civil liberties while supporting law enforcement needs.