Technology and Privacy

Technology and Privacy Transparency

At DPS, we utilize technology like Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and Facial Recognition (FR) to assist local law enforcement in solving crimes, finding missing persons, and stopping targeted violence. This page explains exactly how we use these tools, how we don't use them, and the strict oversight keeping your data safe.

Active Case

Any database search requires an active criminal case with a case number.

9-Month Purge

ALPR scan data is automatically deleted after 9 months.

2-Person Review

FR requires independent verification by two trained analysts.

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

Every search requires a documented case number or reference number and crime type. DPS regularly reviews records to ensure every search consists of both. ALPR records are an investigative lead on vehicle location for an active case. Law enforcement must investigate further to link an identity to a vehicle.

Data Retention: ALPR data is automatically purged after 9 months, although internal usage statistics are maintained for at least 5 years.
Data Sharing: Data sharing requires an inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses additional data sharing restrictions.
Commercial Data: DPS cannot access commercial ALPR information without a warrant.

What ALPR can be used for

Investigating active crimes
Locating missing or endangered persons
Recovering stolen vehicles
Responding to immediate risks to human life or public safety

What ALPR cannot be used for

Facial recognition integration
Targeting people for exercising free speech
Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, or disability
Commercial sale of data

Frequently Asked Questions about ALPR

No, ALPR data is strictly protected information. The SIAC is prohibited from using or sharing ALPR data for any purpose other than specific authorized law enforcement uses: active criminal investigations, apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants, locating missing or endangered persons, or recovering stolen vehicles. These records are protected from GRAMA requests, except under certain specific circumstances such as criminal defense or a subpoena.

Utah DPS does not manage or control cameras installed by local city police, county sheriffs, or private businesses. Placement decisions belong entirely to the entity that owns the equipment.
To address a camera in your area, contact local leadership: Direct your request to your local City Council, Mayor’s Office, or attend a public meeting to express your concerns.
Damaging, disabling, or obstructing camera equipment is a crime, resulting in criminal charges. Civic channels are the only legal route to request removals.

Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition is a tool used strictly to generate investigative leads. It is never used for live, continuous public surveillance or automated arrests. SIAC operates in full compliance with Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 23e.

Submission Requirements: Every submission requires a case number, the nature of the crime, and a narrative of how it meets statutory requirements.
Mandatory Review: Any probable match selected by an analyst requires a secondary review by a separate trained analyst.
Investigative Lead Only: Any probable match is not an identification of an individual; it is an investigative lead.

What Facial Recognition can be used for

Investigating a felony, violent crime, or a threat to human life
Identifying an individual who is deceased or incapacitated and unable to identify themselves

What Facial Recognition cannot be used for

Infractions or non-violent misdemeanors
Civil immigration violations
Targeting people for exercising free speech

Crime Reporting

The Statewide Information & Analysis Center (SIAC) serves as a centralized hub for receiving crime tips and suspicious activity reporting from across the state. Acting as the primary intake point, the SIAC collects and processes these tips before disseminating them to the relevant jurisdictions for further investigation. By ensuring that each tip reaches the appropriate local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, the SIAC enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of crime-solving efforts. Additionally, the SIAC may reach out to the tip submitter to gather more detailed information, ensuring that all leads are thoroughly vetted and actionable.

Governance & Oversight

We recognize that government use of data requires strict boundaries. SIAC does not collect, analyze, or store information on citizens unless there is a clear, documented connection to criminal activity or a specific public safety threat.

Strict Oversight

Both a DPS and SIAC Privacy Officer, and the SIAC Governance Board regularly monitor, review, and audit our operations to ensure strict adherence to state and federal law.

Purpose-Driven Access

We only collect, search, and share data when there is a legitimate, documented criminal justice purpose.

Regulated Retention & Purging

We do not keep data forever. Information that no longer serves an active investigative or legal purpose is routinely purged from our systems.

Full Legal Compliance

SIAC operates in full compliance with the Utah Government Data Privacy Act (GDPA), ensuring transparent, lawful data processing and mandatory annual privacy reporting.

Resources & Official Documents

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SIAC Resources

Resources for SIAC's different programs, including suspicious activity reporting, violent crime, cybersecurity, published reports, policies, and more.

SIAC Privacy Policy

The SIAC vigilantly upholds the privacy rights granted to US citizens.