Drivers in Wayne in on Rutgers-Eagleton Poll: Residents split on the use of license plate readers
The new survey from Rutgers-Eagleton questions 1,400 people. It also stated, 66% of those surveyed want to see all license plate data deleted after six months. While 23% are opposed to that change.
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A new report suggests New Jersey residents are split down the middle over the use of license plate readers along roadways. The data is based on a recent poll of 1,400 people in a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll.
License plate readers are not always easy to see along roads, but they are constantly recording a driver’s plate information. The cameras are often highly regarded by police wanting to catch car thieves, find missing persons or track violent criminals on the run.
The latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll revealed half of those questioned support their use while the other half oppose it. In addition, the survey found that 66% want to see all license plate data deleted after six months instead of the current three years. While 23% are opposed to that change.
There is data from Rutgers that brings to light the safety concerns surrounding these cameras. Sixty-nine percent of those asked to weigh in believe police should have to get a warrant before accessing anybody’s license plate information.
“I think it’s an invasion. It’s too much. We’re already watched enough. We don’t live in a Communist country, where my mom came from Cuba, so I’m totally against it," said Julie Esa, of Morristown.
Julie Esa, like others Nes 12 talked with, has privacy concerns with license plate readers as well as the increasing amount of Flock cameras.
“They also need to be more transparent. How are they using this data? How long are you storing it? Why are you requesting it? And what happens when you’re done with it, said Martin Alcantara.
There have been issues across the country with Flock cameras in which police officers have used data collected to stalk women. That provoked the CEO of Flock to consider changes that include holding data for only seven days and putting in more protocols to avoid random searches.
