Automated License Plate Readers Audits

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) are the law enforcement tools that run and check license plates of cars as they pass the reader, or as the police pass them. The departments that have readers are required to conduct an independent audit of their ALPR records.

Minnesota Statute 13.824 requires an independent audit of the law enforcement agency’s ALPR records every other year. And since the law requiring the audits was passed two years ago, many departments are coming on up conducting their audit for the first time.

The Officer of the State Auditors is available to perform the audits for departments with the readers. Law enforcement agencies interested in having the Office of the State Auditor conduct this audit should contact Greg Hierlinger at (651) 296-7003 or GregHierlinger@osa.state.mn.us

We have additional information on the audit requirement here on the League’s website.

Up next: Implicit Bias Training

Stay safe,
Rob

EMAC: The Best Way to Avoid the Complex Liabilities of Self-Deployment

Perhaps like many of you, I’ve been glued to the television coverage of the flooding in Texas. A news report recently covered a local fire official asking for help from “anyone with a boat.”

Despite this televised request, self-deployment of fire and rescue assets can create some problems for both the sender and the receiver. Unrequested staff and equipment can quickly become a logistical burden for communities already in crisis. The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) continues to recommend that self-deployment be avoided.

However, fire and rescue departments can check with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) system—a state-to-state agreement—to see if Texas and its communities have formally requested the type of aid a Minnesota department can provide. If a city deploys under the EMAC agreement, there are certain protections in place under Minnesota law, including:

• If you have a professional or other skilled license, certificate, or permit issued by the State of Minnesota, you shall be deemed licensed, certified, or permitted to render aid in the other state.
• You are an agent of the requesting state for tort liability and immunity purposes.
• You cannot be held liable if acting in good faith (without willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness).
• The State of Minnesota shall pay compensation and death benefits to injured employees.
• The State of Minnesota shall be reimbursed for its expenses by the state receiving assistance.

In self-deployment situations, these protections likely will not exist.

Currently on the EMAC system, there is a request for 100 Swift Water Rescue and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. For more information, contact Cassie Calametti (DPS)  at cassie.calametti@state.mn.us

Up next: Help With License Plate Reader Audits

Stay safe,
Rob