Attorney General Alan Wilson of South Carolina has joined two multi-state coalitions aiming to maintain law enforcement’s use of automatic license-plate readers. These devices are used by police agencies to help solve crimes such as murders, kidnappings, and armed robberies.
“Law enforcement uses important tools to keep our communities safe,” Attorney General Wilson stated. “Removing these license plate readers would make everyone less safe.”
The legal action involves lawsuits where individuals claim that the use of automatic license-plate readers violates privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment. In response, Attorney General Wilson submitted two “friend-of-the-court” briefs, arguing that most courts have determined there is no expectation of privacy in license plates because they are visible to the public. The briefs emphasize the importance of these devices for effective policing.
As stated in the briefs, “If courts strip law enforcement of this valuable crime-fighting tool, our streets will be more dangerous, our investigations less effective, our criminals emboldened, and our people less safe. Nothing in the Constitution requires that chilling result.”
The attorneys general from Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia joined South Carolina in supporting these Georgia-led legal briefs.
The South Carolina Attorney General serves as the state’s main legal advocate and enforcer across a range of issues including prosecutions and regulatory matters such as securities and consumer protection. The office collaborates with state law enforcement agencies and solicitors on criminal cases throughout the state and provides advocacy for crime victims to enhance community safety (official website). Alan Wilson has served as head of this office (official website).
A copy of the briefs can be found here and here.
