The Fairfield Police Department utilizes Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras from Flock Safety at locations throughout town to help locate stolen vehicles, support missing-person alerts, and provide objective evidence after crimes. Access to ALPR data is strictly limited to legitimate law-enforcement purposes. Consistent with the Connecticut TRUST Act, we do not use or share ALPR data for civil immigration enforcement.

Success in Action

ALPR technology has already proven to be a critical tool in Fairfield:

1. August 2022 Fatal Hit and Run: Following a fatal motorcycle crash where the driver fled the scene, ALPR cameras helped identify a vehicle matching the description provided to police. Investigators located the operator and made an arrest.
2. November 2023 Commercial Burglary: After a burglary at a local jewelry store, officers used ALPR data to identify a suspect vehicle that had entered Fairfield prior to the crime. Working with neighboring agencies, detectives located the vehicle and arrested the suspect.
3. December 2024 Armed Carjacking: After a delivery driver was robbed at gunpoint, ALPR cameras helped investigators identify a vehicle involved in the crime. The case resulted in charges and recovery of evidence.
4. February 2025 Bias Crime Investigation: During an investigation into bias motivated graffiti, ALPR technology helped identify a vehicle associated with the incidents. Detectives identified and charged the responsible party.
5. May 2025 Street Takeover: ALPR cameras also played a key role in a major investigation after a reckless “street takeover” endangered dozens of people at a local shopping plaza. By combining ALPR data with community videos and interagency support, officers identified multiple offenders across different towns, leading to several arrests and vehicle seizures.
6. June 2025 Financial Exploitation Case: In an investigation involving the financial exploitation of an elderly resident, ALPR data assisted detectives in identifying a suspect vehicle connected to the incident. The information supported the issuance of an arrest warrant.
7. June 2025 Fatal Crash: Following a tragic crash where the driver fled the scene, officers used ALPR evidence to quickly identify and locate the suspect’s vehicle, leading to an arrest the same evening.
8. July 2025 Missing Person: In another example, ALPR systems were leveraged during the search for a missing Fairfield woman with dementia. Alerts were added across regional plate readers, helping investigators quickly rule out certain areas and focus resources. Combined with financial tracking and interagency coordination, the subject was safely located in New Haven within hours.
9. December 2025 Commercial Burglary Spree: During a series of overnight commercial burglaries along Post Road, ALPR cameras captured a vehicle entering and leaving the area around the time of the crimes. Working with regional partners, investigators identified the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.

These cases demonstrate how ALPR is being used responsibly to solve crimes, locate vulnerable community members, and protect Fairfield while remaining fully compliant with state law and civil liberties protections.