Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A little more than a week after the University at Buffalo set plans in place for a 60-day pilot program to install license plate reader (LPR) technology on its North and South campuses in spring of 2027, the university has indefinitely paused that program's launch. This decision comes at the direction of President Caroline Attardo Genco.
The pause will allow additional time for the university to gather input from members of the UB community.
To help inform the university’s consideration of the technology, that was intended to be an investigative tool for University Police on its campuses, the University Police Advisory Committee - composed of faculty, staff and students - will be tasked with engaging in further conversations with members of the UB community.
“After careful deliberation over the past several weeks, I have decided that additional conversation and engagement with the university community is needed before determining whether to proceed with the pilot program,” said Genco in a statement obtained by WBEN. “As a result, I will be asking the University Police Advisory Committee to engage the university community as we thoughtfully consider this matter, with the best interests and safety of our entire university community in mind.”
After gathering feedback from across the university, the University Police Advisory Committee will develop a framework to advise senior leadership in evaluating the appropriate use of the technology, the security and handling of the data it collects, and factors to consider when deciding whether to move ahead with the pilot.
Throughout this process, the university's responsibility to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors remains paramount. UB takes that responsibility very seriously and continually evaluates the tools and approaches available to University Police to help prevent crime and investigate incidents on its campuses.
UB was planning to install 20 of the license plate reader cameras this spring.
The pause allows additional time for the campus to gather input from members of the UB community
The pause allows additional time for the campus to gather input from members of the UB community
