05/05/2026
Flock/License plate readers are an invaluable asset that keep our streets safe by assisting law enforcement in everyday investigations. They have assisted in low level street crimes to high profile death investigations. I support the position of Chief Dan DeWolf, DA Mary Pat Donnelly and Mayor Mantello.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1aVevKD9o8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
(TROY, NY) - Mayor Carmella R. Mantello, Mary Pat Donnelly, Rensselaer County DA, and Troy Police Department Chief Dan DeWolf issued a forceful condemnation of the Troy City Council’s newly advanced Pro-Criminal local law restricting the use of all Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), calling the proposal “dangerous, misguided, and a gift to criminals.”
The legislation, which outlines permitted uses in Section 3 (A–E), would effectively strip the Troy Police Department of its ability to utilize ALPR technology - such as Flock cameras - for a wide range of common and serious crimes. Under the Council’s language, ALPR use would be limited almost exclusively to cases involving individuals with outstanding felony arrest warrants or situations where officers can determine in advance that an incident will result in a felony charge. These are not determinations officers are able - or expected - to make at the outset of a response, making the restriction both impractical and detrimental to effective policing.
“This is beyond reckless,” said Mayor Mantello. “Under this proposal, our police officers would be prohibited from using proven technology to investigate crimes like larceny, criminal mischief, shots fired incidents, stalking, assault, domestic violence, and even sexual abuse. That is not public safety - that is willful negligence.”
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly also voiced strong opposition to the measure saying, “As the chief law enforcement officer in Rensselaer County, this local law limits my access to critical investigative tools which will only make it harder to deliver justice for victims. Since 2020, New York State has invested millions of dollars to assist law enforcement in complying with discovery reform, and this law now disrupts the balance which we worked so hard to strike. It will absolutely have a negative impact on public safety.”
Troy Police Chief Dan DeWolf said, “This legislation raises serious concerns about our officers’ ability to effectively do their jobs and protect the residents of Troy. Tools like ALPR technology are critical in modern policing - they help us identify suspects, track vehicles involved in crimes, and respond more quickly to incidents. Limiting their use and imposing restrictive timelines on data retention will significantly hinder our ability to investigate crimes and keep our community safe.”
Mayor Mantello pointed specifically to Section 3(a), which restricts ALPR use to vehicles “registered to an individual subject to an outstanding felony arrest warrant,” effectively barring its use in the overwhelming majority of real-world policing scenarios.
“This means if a vehicle is connected to a violent domestic incident, a shooting, or a sexual assault - but the suspect doesn’t yet have a felony warrant - our officers’ hands are tied. It defies logic and puts our residents at risk,” Mantello said.
The mayor also raised serious concerns about Section 5(a) of the proposed law, which mandates that all captured plate data be permanently deleted within 48 hours.
“By limiting data retention to just 48 hours, the Council is placing impossible, arbitrary timelines on our law enforcement officers’ ability to solve complex crimes,” Mantello said. “Investigations often take days, weeks, or longer to develop. In some instances, victims don’t even file a report until 48 hours after the crime is committed. Why would you impose such an insane restriction on critical evidence tied to vehicles involved in crimes - unless you are pushing policies that benefit criminals over victims?”
Furthermore, section 7(a) of this local law purports to create a new cause of action against the City of Troy where damages do not even have to be proved, or where a litigant can claim mental pain and suffering. It is practically an invitation to frivolous litigation and unnecessarily exposes the residents and taxpayers to new and additional liability. Lastly, the legislation infringes upon the power of the mayor to supervise and regulate the Troy Police Department. As drafted, the proposal is not only impractical to enforce, but also unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny.
Since taking office, the Mantello Administration has invested in modern public safety tools and technology which has contributed to a measurable decline in crime across the City of Troy. Violent crime is down 23% compared to 2024 and 27% compared to the five-year average, while property crime has dropped 13% and 18%, respectively. Overall crime is down 15% year-over-year and 19% compared to the five-year average. Significant reductions have also been seen in key categories, with burglaries down 34% (45% vs. five-year average), motor vehicle theft down 46% (37% vs. five-year average), shots fired incidents down 17% (45% vs. five-year average), and shootings down 39% (53% vs. five-year average). These results underscore the critical role that tools like ALPRs play in helping law enforcement deter crime, solve cases more efficiently, and keep neighborhoods safe.
Mayor Mantello further called the legislation “a slap in the face” to the men and women of the Troy Police Department.
“You cannot claim to support our police department while simultaneously stripping them of the very tools they rely on to solve crimes and keep people safe. This Council has chosen to side with a vocal minority over the professional judgment of career law enforcement officials, including our District Attorney and our Chief of Police. This is about protecting all residents including our youth, seniors, moms, dads, and business owners. Instead, the City Council has chosen to absorb and back a national agenda to score political points.”
Mayor Mantello concluded by urging the City Council to reconsider the legislation before it causes lasting harm to public safety in Troy.
“This is about protecting and ensuring the safety of our residents. I urge the Council to reverse course, listen to law enforcement, and stop advancing policies that put our safety at risk.”
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