Monroe County moves forward with public safety upgrades as Executive Bello and Sheriff Baxter announce approval of new license plate reader program

Rochester, New York – A major technological leap in law enforcement is coming to Monroe County, as County Executive Adam Bello and Sheriff Todd Baxter have officially announced the Monroe County Legislature’s approval of a countywide Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) program. The move signals a new era in policing, aimed at strengthening public safety and providing law enforcement with tools proven to make a difference across New York State.

Until now, Monroe County stood alone as the only major county in the state without an ALPR system in place. Surrounding counties such as Erie, Onondaga, Albany, and even New York City have long embraced the technology, reaping the benefits of quicker response times, higher arrest rates in stolen vehicle cases, and more efficient efforts to locate missing persons.

County Executive Bello emphasized the urgency and necessity of adopting this widely used technology. “As County Executive, my top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. Adopting an Automatic License Plate Reader program is a critical step forward, providing our law enforcement with a powerful tool to quickly identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and deter criminal activity, all while enhancing the efficiency of their operations,” Bello said.

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The new program will be funded entirely by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through a competitive law enforcement technology grant. Notably, out of the 378 law enforcement agencies that applied for funding across the state, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received the largest grant amount. That investment now paves the way for implementing a robust network of high-tech cameras capable of scanning and identifying license plates across the county.

Sheriff Todd Baxter described the program as a crucial addition to the county’s policing strategy. “The introduction of License Plate Readers is a vital step forward in enhancing public safety throughout our county,” he said. “These tools will help our deputies identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and respond more effectively to criminal activity. We are committed to using this technology responsibly, with safeguards in place to protect the privacy and rights of our residents.”

While the technology’s effectiveness is widely acknowledged, its approval also sparked discussions about privacy and accountability. Legislators who supported the measure made it clear that community trust must be maintained through transparency and proper oversight.

Legislature President Yversha Román struck a balance between safety and civil liberties, stating, “The safety of county residents is paramount, and the use of license plate readers will help law enforcement respond more quickly to crime, locate missing persons, and deter illegal activity. Increased security cannot come at the expense of civil liberties. I appreciate the commitment to including guardrails ensuring data is used responsibly and protected from misuse.”

Majority Leader Michael Yudelson echoed the importance of equipping law enforcement with modern tools, applauding the bipartisan effort behind the initiative. “The implementation of the ALPR Program marks a significant advancement in public safety. This technology equips our law enforcement with a vital tool to keep our community safe. I am grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership, my Legislature colleagues for their support of this program, and to Sheriff Baxter for his steadfast commitment to our community.”

The backing was also strong from across the aisle, with Minority Leader Steve Brew praising the program’s potential to deliver rapid results during emergencies. “This is a commonsense step to make our communities safer, and I’m proud of my Conference for its unanimous support,” Brew said. “License Plate Readers will help law enforcement recover stolen vehicles, apprehend dangerous suspects, and reunite families faster in emergencies. When every second counts, this technology can make all the difference.”

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ALPR systems are mounted on patrol cars or fixed in strategic locations and can automatically scan thousands of license plates each day. The technology cross-references plates with state and national databases to instantly flag vehicles connected to crimes, missing person cases, or outstanding warrants. The system also records data such as time, date, and location of the scan, helping officers establish timelines and track movements.

Advocates say this kind of targeted, data-driven policing will free up law enforcement resources for more serious threats while providing a fast and accurate method to track criminal activity in real-time.

Although an official rollout date has yet to be announced, local agencies are already preparing for training, implementation logistics, and community education efforts to ensure residents understand how the system works and how their rights will be protected.

With funding secured, legislative approval finalized, and broad public support, Monroe County’s ALPR program is poised to bring a new level of responsiveness and efficiency to local law enforcement—offering hope for a safer and more connected community.