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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
2.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 04/06/2026
Agenda Item:
Update on Mankato Public Safety use of Automated License Plate Readers
Recommendation/Action(s):
Provide feedback of Automated License Plat Reader Technology use.
Summary:
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology April 2026 Update
The Mankato Department of Public Safety (MDPS) has continued implementing Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology consistent with our adopted policies, which were developed in alignment with Minnesota data practices requirements, auditing and access controls, an internal review procedure, and a planned external audit. The policy has strict limitations on who can access data, how long image data is retained, and includes a mandatory audit log. We have internally reviewed our systems and found them compliant in all areas of the policy. The external audit is scheduled to be conducted later this year.
The Mankato Public Safety ALPR policy and procedure has been trained to staff and is readily accessible to staff and public (found here on page 381 of the document: Microsoft Word - Mankato DPS Policy Manual). The City’s ALPR cameras only collect data as allowed by MN Statute and purge the image data in compliance with the 60-day retention allowed by MN state law. Indefinite audit logs on our ALPR systems allow review of both access and search criteria, ensuring accountability.
As a reminder, we operate two systems for ALPR: Axon (in police vehicles) and Milestone (fixed on roadways). What follows is an update on the installation and use of the two systems.
Axon ALPR System Status Update
As a reminder, our Axon ALPR system became operational in late July 2025, following extensive policy development, legal review, staff training, and testing. We have now been operational for approximately eight months, and the program is performing well and as intended. The system has already assisted officers in locating stolen vehicles, identifying wanted individuals, and helping locate missing or vulnerable persons. The Axon ALPR system connects to the online State of MN database to provide nearly instantaneous notifications of license plate data so that police officers can determine actions that may be necessary for safety concerns and enforcement activities.
Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras Status Update
Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras (Milestone Cameras) were first installed and tested at the Public Safety Center to ensure proper integration prior to public use. The Milestone Cameras went into use in late November 2025. We now have seven Milestone Camera Units integrated at the following locations:
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Riverfront Drive & Rock Street
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Victory Drive and Hazeltine Road
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Main Street and South Victory
• 1 Milestone Camera at North 4th Street at Washington Street
The locations of the Milestone Cameras in Mankato are listed on the State of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Website (found here: Agencies that use License Plate Readers (LPR) | Minnesota Department of Public Safety) and on the City of Mankato Website (found here: Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Cameras | Mankato, MN). Later this year, additional cameras will be installed in key locations.
The Milestone Cameras do not connect with the State of Minnesota license plate database and do not provide instantaneous results to our staff for data connected to license plates. The system is used for search as necessary and authorized by state law and MDPS policy.
Releasing and Sharing Data
Our data is only our data; it is not shared without our express permission and in compliance with our policy. Specific ALPR vehicle data has been requested one time since MDPS started using this system. This data request was made by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office as part of an active missing person investigation and followed the proper protocols and procedures. The inquiry did not yield any results, and no information was released.
Ongoing Review, Improvement, and Collaboration
Since going live, our team has conducted ongoing internal audits, reviewed policies from other organizations, and system performance. We have not made or recommended adjustments to the policy based on our review. We’ve continued to share with and listen to others to align our work on best practices. Many of the safeguards and procedures we developed, both operational and data-governance related, have been shared with and adopted by other agencies.
The Mankato Department of Public Safety (MDPS) has continued implementing Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology consistent with our adopted policies, which were developed in alignment with Minnesota data practices requirements, auditing and access controls, an internal review procedure, and a planned external audit. The policy has strict limitations on who can access data, how long image data is retained, and includes a mandatory audit log. We have internally reviewed our systems and found them compliant in all areas of the policy. The external audit is scheduled to be conducted later this year.
The Mankato Public Safety ALPR policy and procedure has been trained to staff and is readily accessible to staff and public (found here on page 381 of the document: Microsoft Word - Mankato DPS Policy Manual). The City’s ALPR cameras only collect data as allowed by MN Statute and purge the image data in compliance with the 60-day retention allowed by MN state law. Indefinite audit logs on our ALPR systems allow review of both access and search criteria, ensuring accountability.
As a reminder, we operate two systems for ALPR: Axon (in police vehicles) and Milestone (fixed on roadways). What follows is an update on the installation and use of the two systems.
Axon ALPR System Status Update
As a reminder, our Axon ALPR system became operational in late July 2025, following extensive policy development, legal review, staff training, and testing. We have now been operational for approximately eight months, and the program is performing well and as intended. The system has already assisted officers in locating stolen vehicles, identifying wanted individuals, and helping locate missing or vulnerable persons. The Axon ALPR system connects to the online State of MN database to provide nearly instantaneous notifications of license plate data so that police officers can determine actions that may be necessary for safety concerns and enforcement activities.
Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras Status Update
Milestone Fixed ALPR Cameras (Milestone Cameras) were first installed and tested at the Public Safety Center to ensure proper integration prior to public use. The Milestone Cameras went into use in late November 2025. We now have seven Milestone Camera Units integrated at the following locations:
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Riverfront Drive & Rock Street
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Victory Drive and Hazeltine Road
• 2 Milestone Cameras at Main Street and South Victory
• 1 Milestone Camera at North 4th Street at Washington Street
The locations of the Milestone Cameras in Mankato are listed on the State of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Website (found here: Agencies that use License Plate Readers (LPR) | Minnesota Department of Public Safety) and on the City of Mankato Website (found here: Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Cameras | Mankato, MN). Later this year, additional cameras will be installed in key locations.
The Milestone Cameras do not connect with the State of Minnesota license plate database and do not provide instantaneous results to our staff for data connected to license plates. The system is used for search as necessary and authorized by state law and MDPS policy.
Releasing and Sharing Data
Our data is only our data; it is not shared without our express permission and in compliance with our policy. Specific ALPR vehicle data has been requested one time since MDPS started using this system. This data request was made by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office as part of an active missing person investigation and followed the proper protocols and procedures. The inquiry did not yield any results, and no information was released.
Ongoing Review, Improvement, and Collaboration
Since going live, our team has conducted ongoing internal audits, reviewed policies from other organizations, and system performance. We have not made or recommended adjustments to the policy based on our review. We’ve continued to share with and listen to others to align our work on best practices. Many of the safeguards and procedures we developed, both operational and data-governance related, have been shared with and adopted by other agencies.