(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-18, establishing strict safeguards on the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, including Flock Safety cameras, to prevent the misuse of the personal location data of Missourians while preserving legitimate law enforcement uses of the technology.
“Protecting citizens also means protecting their constitutional rights,” said Governor Kehoe. “The unchecked collection and indefinite storage of location data belonging to law-abiding citizens raises substantial, valid constitutional and privacy concerns. The government should not be building a permanent record of where law-abiding Missourians go, who they visit, or how they live their daily lives. This executive order is the first step in creating safeguards against abuse of this data, while still understanding the benefits of these vital public safety tools for law enforcement.”
ALPR systems, including Flock cameras deployed by law enforcement agencies across the country, automatically capture license plate and vehicle information as motorists travel on public roadways. While the technology can assist legitimate criminal investigations, recent reports of improper searches and other misuse have underscored the need for stronger protections governing who can access this information, how it may be used, and how long it may be retained.
Recent documented instances of law enforcement data misuse—including the September 2026 criminal arrest of a New York Sheriff’s investigator for using Flock Safety cameras to conduct unauthorized unlawful searches—highlight national vulnerabilities and critical deficiencies in standard operating data protections and vendor transparency.
"Automated license plate reader systems have proven to be a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies to utilize in their efforts to catch violent criminals, recover stolen vehicles, and find missing or endangered people," said Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James. "With this executive order, Governor Kehoe is making it clear that the state must establish a clear, accountable legal framework that equips law enforcement personnel with modern technology while also safeguarding the fundamental privacy rights and civil liberties of Missouri citizens. Our department looks forward to collaborating with state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the members of the Missouri General Assembly, to put this executive order into action.”
Executive Order 26-18 directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish statewide safeguards for state agencies and state-funded local law enforcement entities using ALPR technology. Any misuse of ALPR technology shall trigger immediate disciplinary proceedings, criminal referral, where appropriate, and a mandatory report to the Director of DPS for officer license revocation or discipline.
Until the General Assembly establishes a permanent statutory framework, the executive order requires the following minimum standards:Requiring most license plate and vehicle data to be permanently deleted within 30 days;
Prohibiting vendors from selling, sharing, or commercializing Missouri-generated data;
Limiting the use of ALPR technology to legitimate criminal justice and lifesaving purposes;
Requiring accountability measures to prevent and penalize misuse; and
Prohibiting the integration of artificial intelligence facial recognition technology with ALPR systems.
Local agencies are encouraged to voluntarily commit to adhering to these best practices, where possible under existing contracts and law, as stakeholders and lawmakers work towards a comprehensive statutory framework.
The executive order is available at this link
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