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County to install license-plate readers on state roadways; legislators press for privacy safeguards
Summary
The committee authorized Orange County to install license-plate readers (LPRs) on state roadways using state grant funds; officials emphasized county ownership of data and model policies, while Legislator Genesis Ramos sought stronger safeguards for FOIL and third‑party requests.
The committee approved a resolution authorizing Orange County to install license-plate reader (LPR) equipment along New York State rights-of-way, including Interstates 84 and 86 (NY 17), using state grant funding. Deputy Commissioner Robert Doss and Commissioner Peter Cirigliano said the county will own the cameras and house data in the 911 Data Center, and that State model policy from DCJS will guide retention and access procedures.
Legislator Genesis Ramos raised privacy concerns about tracking residents and travelers, asking what parameters will limit data use and how requests from outside agencies or FOIL requests would be handled. Cirigliano said external requests will be vetted by Emergency Services and routed with an audit trail; Doss said the state required that Emergency Services own the data rather than a third-party vendor. "One of the biggest aspects of this is the policy and procedure because they must make sure the data is used properly," Doss said.
Officials noted the county expects real-time processing to support 911 operations and Amber Alerts; they also said the county will consult with the Law Department and adopt the state model policy to ensure appropriate use and retention. The committee carried the resolution.
