August 19, 2026 | Mayor Derrick Wood

Over the last several days, I’ve heard from Dumfries residents with questions and concerns about the automated license plate reader cameras being installed in our community.

Those questions deserve answers.

Public safety matters. So does your privacy. And so does your right to understand how technology being used by your local government works.

That is why I asked our Town Manager, Town Attorney and Police Department for additional information about the program, including how data is collected, how long it is retained, who can access it, when information can be shared, how the system is audited and what safeguards exist against misuse.

What We Know

Based on the information provided to me by the Town Attorney and Town Manager:

Virginia law requires license plate reader data to be deleted within 21 days unless the information is associated with an ongoing investigation, prosecution or civil action.

The Town’s current policy uses that 21-day maximum. However, the law allows for data to be deleted sooner.

The Town Manager has asked the Police Chief to provide the operational and investigative justification for retaining information for the full 21 days and is reviewing whether a shorter retention period would be appropriate.

The Town’s existing policy also includes safeguards governing access and use. According to information provided by the Town Manager, these include requirements that access be limited to trained and authorized personnel, searches have a legitimate law-enforcement purpose and documented justification, user activity and access be audited monthly, and data not be sold or shared with unauthorized entities.

I Believe We Should Review the Policy

Following the questions raised by residents, the Town Manager has indicated that she believes additional refinement of the policy is necessary.

I agree.

Compliance with the law should be our starting point. The question for Dumfries should also be whether we can provide additional protections while still giving our police department the tools it needs to keep our community safe.

Any proposed policy revisions will come before the Town Council for consideration.

Residents Shouldn't Have to Hunt for Information

One thing has become very clear from the public conversation: residents should not have to search through meeting videos, agendas, staff reports and multiple government documents just to understand how this technology works.

The Town Manager has directed the Public Information Officer to develop a public-facing transparency page explaining the program.

I believe that resource should clearly answer questions including:

• What information do the cameras collect?

• What information do they not collect?

• How long is information retained?

• Who can search the system?

• What qualifies as an authorized search?

• Can information be shared with another agency?

• How are searches audited?

• What happens if someone misuses the system?

• How are camera locations determined?

• How will the Town measure whether the program is actually improving public safety?

There Are Still Questions to Answer

Residents have also raised questions about camera locations, cameras located on private property, agreements associated with those locations, procurement and access to public records.

I have asked that these questions be answered based on the actual documents and facts.

I don't believe elected officials should speculate when we can get the answers.

As additional information becomes available, I will share it.

My Position Is Simple

I don't believe we have to choose between public safety and individual privacy.

We should expect both.

Technology can be a valuable tool for law enforcement. But when government introduces technology capable of collecting information about people's movements, residents deserve strong safeguards, clear rules and meaningful oversight.

Safe community. Protected privacy. Transparent government.

That is the standard I believe Dumfries should meet.

I appreciate the residents who have raised questions, including those who may disagree with the Town's decision. Good government should be willing to listen, explain and, when appropriate, improve.

I will continue asking questions and will keep our community informed as this review moves forward.

Derrick Wood
Mayor
Town of Dumfries, Virginia