San Marcos council approves additional license plate readers following local crime incidents

The San Marcos City Council held a work session on March 18, 2025, focusing on the implementation and effectiveness of license plate reader (LPR) technology in enhancing public safety. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the San Marcos Police Department to address a series of criminal incidents, particularly those targeting Texas State University students.

The discussion began with a recap of previous council approvals related to LPR technology, including agreements with Flock for software and the installation of cameras along state rights-of-way in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The police department currently operates 33 cameras, although not all are fully functional.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to explaining the rationale behind the use of LPRs and the importance of retaining data for 30 days. Police officials detailed a troubling pattern of offenses that occurred between October and November 2024, including window peeping, burglary, and sexual assaults in apartment complexes frequented by students.

The timeline of incidents began on October 20, 2024, when a female resident reported a man attempting to enter her roommate's window. Subsequent reports revealed a series of similar offenses, culminating in two assaults on November 1. Investigators suspected a serial offender and utilized the LPR system to track the suspect's vehicle, which was found to be present at the scenes of multiple crimes.

The police department emphasized the critical role of LPR technology in identifying and apprehending suspects, particularly in cases where traditional investigative methods may fall short. The council's support for the continued use of LPRs is seen as a proactive measure to enhance community safety and respond effectively to emerging threats.

As the meeting concluded, city officials reiterated their commitment to leveraging technology in law enforcement while ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed. The council's ongoing discussions will likely shape future policies regarding the use of surveillance technology in San Marcos.