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Public commenter criticizes policing and ALPR implementation; council discusses ALPR guideline revisions
Summary
A public commenter alleged increased low‑level traffic enforcement since the police force expanded and questioned current ALPR functionality; council had earlier discussed ALPR guideline updates (data‑retention, oversight and case‑number attachment) and will continue revising policy language.
A member of the public told Minot City Council on March 16 he views recent enforcement activity as excessive and raised concerns about ALPR (automated license‑plate reader) rollout and perceived targeting.
Josiah Royce said he had experienced multiple traffic stops in vehicles he had not previously been stopped in and described an incident in which three patrol cars stopped his 1974 pickup because its license‑plate lamp was not illuminated. He questioned whether ALPR technology should be used to justify stops and called the incidents "fiscal waste." Royce asked whether the city could show a legal requirement for an aftermarket plate lamp on an antique vehicle and said the increased presence of officers had led to what he called higher rates of petty enforcement.
Earlier in the meeting councilors and staff reviewed draft ALPR guidelines. Council members expressed support for clarifying retention periods and community oversight while city staff and the city attorney explained the draft language, noting a 10‑day retention reference and that a case number may be associated with the data when it is saved rather than at the point of search. Council members urged clearer language about whether oversight review will be annual or more frequent while the oversight board is ramping up.
The city manager reminded the public that the policy has not been implemented and that ALPR operations are not yet in active use under council‑approved procedures. Council signaled it will continue to refine ALPR language to address community concerns about enforcement, oversight and technical capability.
What happens next: staff will incorporate council direction into revised ALPR guidelines and continue oversight discussions; any operational rollout will follow council approval of policy and related procedures.
