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Council advances MPD license-plate reader resolution after questions about paper tags and interstate deployment
Summary
Council voted to forward a resolution supporting license-plate readers on state highway rights-of-way after MPD and Tennessee DOT staff described an initial deployment targeting interstate entrance and exit ramps; councilmembers raised concerns about paper temporary tags and privacy and asked for implementation details.
The Memphis Police Department presented a resolution on June 24 supporting the acquisition and installation of license-plate reader (LPR) equipment on state highway rights-of-way, with an initial phase targeting interstate entrance and exit ramps in high-traffic areas.
MPD representatives described the project as a tool to aid vehicle-related investigations, including stolen vehicles, robberies and active-shooter events. The department said it is coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Transportation because the city lacks authority to install equipment on interstate right-of-way; TDOT support would extend project utility to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Council discussion: Council members asked whether LPRs would read paper temporary tags. MPD replied that the LPR technology will not reliably read most paper temporary tags and that the system is not a panacea for counterfeit or short-term paper tags; officers continue to use traffic stops and other enforcement tools for those issues. Councilmembers discussed whether the city could pursue broader solutions, such as revisiting vehicle-inspection requirements or pursuing code changes to address counterfeit tags, and suggested the council may look for policy options to reduce illegal or counterfeit paper tags.
Deployment and oversight questions: MPD said an initial deployment will include 94 cameras in the first phase and that the department will work with TDOT to host equipment on state infrastructure for interstate coverage. Councilmembers asked about operational controls and privacy (how images are stored, retention policies and access controls); MPD said the project would follow standard departmental policies and finalize technical details in coordination with the state and council oversight.
Action: The council committee voted to send the resolution forward with a favorable recommendation and same-night minutes. Several councilmembers requested more information on technical specifications, the planned privacy and retention policies, and the exact locations to be included in the initial 94-camera deployment.
Ending: The resolution was forwarded with a favorable recommendation to the full council; the department said it would provide further operational and technical details as they finalize vendor and state coordination work.
