May 23rd, 2025
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter today announced that the County Legislature has approved a plan to implement an Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program to augment public safety efforts in Monroe County.
Currently, Monroe County is the only major County in New York State that has not instituted an ALPR Program. Erie, Onondaga, Albany and New York City have already deployed ALPRs, which has demonstrated significant results in solving crime and enhancing public safety.
“As County Executive, my top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. Adopting an Automatic License Plate Reader program is a critical step forward, providing our law enforcement with a powerful tool to quickly identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and deter criminal activity, all while enhancing the efficiency of their operations,” said County Executive Bello. “To truly support our police officers and keep our community secure, we must equip them with cutting-edge technology. An ALPR program offers invaluable data-driven insights, enabling more targeted enforcement, and allowing our limited resources to be deployed where they are most needed, ultimately creating a more secure environment for our families and businesses.”
“The introduction of License Plate Readers is a vital step forward in enhancing public safety throughout our county,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “These tools will help our deputies identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and respond more effectively to criminal activity. We are committed to using this technology responsibly, with safeguards in place to protect the privacy and rights of our residents.”
“The safety of county residents is paramount, and the use of license plate readers will help law enforcement respond more quickly to crime, locate missing persons, and deter illegal activity,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “Increased security cannot come at the expense of civil liberties. I appreciate the commitment to including guardrails ensuring data is used responsibly and protected from misuse.”
“The implementation of the ALPR Program marks a significant advancement in public safety,” said Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “This technology equips our law enforcement with a vital tool to keep our community safe. I am grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership, my Legislature colleagues for their support of this program, and to Sheriff Baxter for his steadfast commitment to our community.”
“This is a commonsense step to make our communities safer, and I’m proud of my Conference for its unanimous support,” said Minority Leader Steve Brew. “License Plate Readers will help law enforcement recover stolen vehicles, apprehend dangerous suspects, and reunite families faster in emergencies. When every second counts, this technology can make all the difference.”
The ALPR program is fully funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through a New York State Law Enforcement Technology grant. The technology has been identified as one of the most important tools available to enhance the ability of local law enforcement agencies to address threats to public safety. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the largest grant amount out of the 378 New York State law enforcement agencies that applied.
