Lansing Council Member Seeks License Plate Reader Ban
A proposed ordinance aims to restrict the use of automatic license plate readers on public property across the city.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Lansing City Council member Ryan Kost has requested that the city attorney draft legislation to prohibit the use of automatic license plate readers on public right of ways. The move follows concerns regarding civil liberties and the potential handling of tracking data by private vendors.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights growing scrutiny over the use of surveillance technology and how data gathered from public spaces is shared and maintained. It specifically addresses concerns about the lack of local control over tracking data sold or utilized by third-party manufacturers.
Council member Ryan Kost has initiated the drafting process for an ordinance that would force the relocation of cameras to private property. The city currently does not hold the authority to restrict the devices via the existing leasing arrangement.
The players
Ryan Kost
He is a member of the Lansing City Council who is leading the effort to restrict public surveillance technology.
Robert Backus
He serves as the Lansing Police Chief and has publicly stated that the camera technology is a tool used to solve crimes.
Flock Safety
This private manufacturer provides the automatic license plate readers currently used by the Lansing Police Department.
The details
Lansing police currently utilize Flock Safety technology to aid in criminal investigations. If the ordinance is enacted, the police department would be required to move all automatic license plate readers currently located on public property to private sites.
Timeline
August 24, 2026: Police Chief Robert Backus commented on the utility of the camera systems.
October 25, 2026: Council member Ryan Kost initiated the legislative request via social media.
October 26, 2026: Additional details were shared by Kost on social media.
October 27, 2026: This information was formally published.
Legal Context
This move reflects an increasing trend of municipal leaders challenging the integration of private surveillance networks into public policing. It marks a significant shift from existing municipal oversight models where private leasing arrangements often bypass local legislative control.
Residents should anticipate potential debates regarding the balance between privacy and public safety as the city attorney prepares the draft legislation. The outcome will dictate whether these surveillance devices remain on public streets or are moved to private property.
The takeaway
Privacy advocates are increasingly targeting data-sharing agreements between local law enforcement and private tech vendors. Residents should stay informed about upcoming city council meetings where the draft legislation will be debated.
Further reading
Learn more about the Law Enforcement landscape in Lansing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilx.
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