Minot City Council narrowly approves usage of license plate reader system, debates scope

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – The Minot City Council on Tuesday night narrowly approved allowing the city’s police department to use and implement a license plate reader system.

The proposal has stirred debate among city leaders. The police department wants to use the system to aid in searches for missing or abducted persons, stolen vehicles and similar situations.

Some say the system is a violation of the public’s privacy.

The vote to authorize use of the AXON system passed 4-3, with Council Members Mike Hayes, Mark Jantzer, Lisa Olson and Paul Pitner voting in favor. Members Mike Blessum, Rob Fuller and Scott Samuelson voted against.

Following approval, the council discussed and debated a myriad of issues related to it, from how long data would be stored to who approves searches and the creation of an oversight board to check searches.

The council voted 4-3 to limit data retention to 10 days rather than the standard 30 days.