TBI to work with partners, lawmakers on standards for license plate reader use

August 23, 2026 - 20:05

Investigators across the state are praising the growing use of automated license plate readers, saying the technology has become a critical tool for finding missing people and tracking suspects who cross state lines. But as the systems expand, officials are now calling for clear, consistent standards on how the data is collected, stored, and shared.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it will work closely with lawmakers and local law enforcement agencies to develop a set of statewide guidelines. The goal is to balance the clear public safety benefits with growing concerns over privacy and data retention. Right now, different jurisdictions handle the information in different ways, which creates confusion and potential gaps in oversight.

TBI leaders say they are not asking for new restrictions that would slow down investigations. Instead, they want a framework that sets clear rules for how long images are kept, who can access them, and under what circumstances the data can be shared with out-of-state agencies. The agency also wants to address the issue of private companies that operate their own camera networks, which currently fall outside most public oversight.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have shown interest in the issue, though no formal bill has been introduced yet. Some have raised concerns about civil liberties, while others point to cases where the technology helped solve serious crimes quickly. The TBI says it expects to hold listening sessions with sheriffs, police chiefs, and privacy advocates before drafting any final proposal. The goal, according to officials, is to build a system that is both effective and accountable.