A routine review of the Richmond Police Department’s 2026 use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology identified a policy violation involving an authorized RPD user.

The Richmond Police Department conducts monthly audits of Flock ALPR use by personnel. An audit in the first quarter of the year found a single violation involving an RPD sergeant while assisting a homicide investigation. The inquiry was not related to immigration enforcement.

The violation occurred when an RPD sergeant was asked by a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for an image of a vehicle believed to be in Richmond and connected to a homicide investigation in Washington, D.C.

“The audit process is an important safeguard to ensure this technology is used properly,” said Chief Rick Edwards. “ALPR technology has proven valuable in violent crime investigations, but these checks are necessary to maintain the proper balance between individual privacy, public safety, and compliance with Virginia law.”

The searching for and dissemination of this information to a federal law enforcement official outside of Virginia violated department policy, which prohibits sharing ALPR data with agencies outside the Commonwealth. The violation was reported to the Virginia State Police as required by state law.

“While I appreciate the sergeant’s willingness to assist in a homicide investigation, sharing ALPR data - even of a single vehicle - with federal partners or agencies outside the Commonwealth of Virginia is prohibited,” Chief Edwards added.

Following an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney was consulted; based on the facts of the case, prosecution was declined. Afterwards, an internal investigation was conducted by RPD’s Office of Professional Standards. The sergeant’s authorization to access ALPR data has been deactivated.

Should there be any compliance issues in the future, RPD will disseminate that information at our regularly scheduled quarterly crime briefings to ensure transparency with our community.