Sheriff withdraws license-plate reader contract after public outcry; commissioners pause action

The Lapeer County sheriff withdrew a proposed contract for license-plate reader technology after broad public opposition and concerns raised about the contract’s legal language.

The sheriff told the board he pulled the item after reviewing public feedback and counsel advice, saying he “felt that it was my duty at that point to pull it off the agenda.” The withdrawal followed weeks of public discussion and written submissions from residents who described privacy and constitutional concerns with automated license-plate readers.

Supporters of the withdrawal told commissioners they were grateful the sheriff had listened. Public commenters described the technology as “invasive” and said recent actions in other counties and pending state legislative activity signaled the issue needs more study before local adoption. Several speakers noted that neighboring counties had recently reconsidered or terminated similar contracts.

County leaders said they will monitor ongoing litigation and legislative proposals. Commissioners and residents repeatedly urged caution and recommended waiting for clearer legal and technical standards rather than rushing into deployment. The board took no formal action to approve a contract at the meeting.

Next steps: Commissioners and the sheriff said they would track state-level bills and court rulings and revisit the matter only after receiving a fuller legal analysis and community input.