Police chief defends ALPR rollout with TxDOT; images kept 90 days, access requires case number

The Montgomery City Council on July 14 considered a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a multi‑use agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to install automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) in TxDOT rights‑of‑way.

The police chief explained the proposed locations for four cameras (including 2854 inbound to Montgomery, Seward Creek on 105, Bolestar Parkway and 105 near the high school, and the camera on 1097). The chief said the department currently operates cameras and retains images for 90 days, which are reviewed only with an incident or case number. He described internal audit controls and said the technology has assisted investigations, including recovering stolen property and locating a missing child.

Council members asked about cost and service fees. Staff said the city already pays service fees for its existing cameras and that the four new cameras would be added to that service. The chief acknowledged public concerns about surveillance and emphasized policies that regulate use, require an incident number for access and allow audits of system access.

Why it matters: The agreement would expand camera coverage at major inbound points to the city and involves a state agency (TxDOT). The chief’s description of retention policy and audit controls responds to common privacy concerns and sets expectations about how the system will be used by police.

Next steps: The council considered the resolution to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement; transcript discussion covered locations, retention (90 days) and policy safeguards. If the agreement proceeds, staff said the city will implement the established access and audit procedures cited by the chief.