Brunswick County sheriff addresses concerns over license plate reader technology

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism is addressing community questions about the sheriff’s office’s use of automated license plate reader technology, highlighting several investigations where officials say the technology assisted deputies.

In a video shared by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Chism described automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, as an investigative tool that can help investigators locate vehicles, establish timelines and recover stolen property.

Chism said the technology does not replace traditional police work and emphasized that deputies are required to follow policies and safeguards governing its use.

“There’s been a lot of discussion in our community recently about the use of automated license plate reader or ALPR cameras,” Chism said in the video. “I want to take a few minutes to shed some light on how your sheriff’s office uses this technology, and, more importantly, why it can be such a valuable tool in keeping Brunswick County safe.”

According to Chism, one investigation involved suspects investigators believed were traveling outside Brunswick County to obtain methamphetamine and bring it back to the county for sale.

Investigators were conducting traditional surveillance, but Chism said the suspects began using countersurveillance techniques. He said ALPR technology helped investigators determine when the vehicle returned to Brunswick County and locate it.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 107 grams of methamphetamine and three trafficking arrests, according to Chism.

In another case, Chism said law enforcement in South Carolina contacted the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office about an armed robbery suspect accused of kidnapping a woman and fleeing into Brunswick County.

Investigators were given information about the suspect’s vehicle and used ALPR technology to help locate it, according to Chism. Deputies later found the suspect in Shallotte, took the person into custody and located the victim.

Chism also pointed to a homicide and shooting investigation in the Longwood area. He said ALPR information helped investigators track a stolen vehicle connected to the case, establish a timeline and determine a direction of travel.

The vehicle was eventually recovered and processed for evidence, according to the sheriff.

Chism said the examples demonstrate how the technology can be used in different types of investigations, while stressing that ALPRs are only one tool available to deputies.

“ALPR cameras can’t replace our deputies, and they don’t replace good old-fashioned police work,” Chism said.

The sheriff also addressed concerns about constitutional protections and accountability.

Chism said deputies take an oath to support and defend the Constitution and that the sheriff’s office has policies and safeguards governing the use of ALPR technology. He said personnel who fail to follow those policies or misuse their authority will be held accountable.

The sheriff said ALPR technology could also be used in situations involving vulnerable people, such as missing children or older adults with cognitive impairments.

“Sometimes that vehicle may lead us to a missing child, an older or elderly person with a cognitive impairment who may be lost, vulnerable, or in danger,” Chism said. “In those moments, every minute matters.”

Chism’s comments come as the use of automated license plate readers has drawn discussion in Brunswick County and elsewhere over privacy, law enforcement access and how information collected by the systems is used.

The sheriff said the goal is to use the technology responsibly while maintaining public trust and keeping Brunswick County safe. Watch the full video here.