Independent audit published
Minn. Stat. 13.824 subd. 6 requires every agency that operates ALPRs to obtain an independent audit at least every two years, checking that data is properly classified, used only for authorized purposes, destroyed on schedule, and that each query had a documented reason, with results due to state officials within 30 days. The audit is one of the few outside checks on how an agency actually runs its cameras. In practice most Minnesota audits report zero findings, often on a boilerplate template that clears nearly every agency it reviews, so a clean audit usually reflects a light-touch review rather than proof the program meets the intent of the statute. FinePrint's ALPR Audit Watch tracks each agency's audit date, auditor, and findings count.
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South St. Paul PD's ALPR audit reported zero findings
Independent audit publishedIndependent audit by LOGIS reported no exceptions across all seven statutory controls. A zero-findings result is the norm in Minnesota, where roughly four in five audits clear the agency, and it often reflects a checklist review rather than substantive oversight.
What does this mean?
Minn. Stat. 13.824 subd. 6 requires every agency that operates ALPRs to obtain an independent audit at least every two years, checking that data is properly classified, used only for authorized purposes, destroyed on schedule, and that each query had a documented reason, with results due to state officials within 30 days. The audit is one of the few outside checks on how an agency actually runs its cameras. In practice most Minnesota audits report zero findings, often on a boilerplate template that clears nearly every agency it reviews, so a clean audit usually reflects a light-touch review rather than proof the program meets the intent of the statute. FinePrint's ALPR Audit Watch tracks each agency's audit date, auditor, and findings count. -
Columbia Heights PD's ALPR audit found a compliance exception
Independent audit publishedIndependent audit by Lynn Lembcke Consulting, covering May 2024 to May 2025, rated the department "substantially compliant, with exception." The finding: the agency missed the 10-day deadline in Minn. Stat. 13.824 to notify the BCA of its fixed camera locations after the system went live.
What does this mean?
Minn. Stat. 13.824 subd. 6 requires every agency that operates ALPRs to obtain an independent audit at least every two years, checking that data is properly classified, used only for authorized purposes, destroyed on schedule, and that each query had a documented reason, with results due to state officials within 30 days. The audit is one of the few outside checks on how an agency actually runs its cameras. In practice most Minnesota audits report zero findings, often on a boilerplate template that clears nearly every agency it reviews, so a clean audit usually reflects a light-touch review rather than proof the program meets the intent of the statute. FinePrint's ALPR Audit Watch tracks each agency's audit date, auditor, and findings count.