NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – New Braunfels leaders have until mid-November to decide whether to keep nearly 50 automated license plate reader cameras that police say have helped them solve crimes faster and reduce vehicle-related offenses.
Police Chief Osbaldo Flores recently told the City Council that the police department relies heavily on state grant money to pay for the cameras, which is crucial, as these grants cover about 80% of the total cost.
“Our general fund does not have the capacity to fund these cameras on its own,” Flores emphasized. The decision to keep the cameras hinges on whether Governor Greg Abbott will continue allowing state grant funding for this technology.
Data collected by New Braunfels Police. (Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.)
Flores shared data showing that since the cameras were installed, there has been a noticeable drop in stolen vehicles and vehicle break-ins. He stressed the need for policing to evolve as criminals become more sophisticated in their methods.
During his presentation, Flores highlighted three recent cases where the automated license plate readers played a crucial role. In August, the cameras were instrumental in locating a missing adult with dementia. A week later, they helped track down suspects involved in a significant store robbery linked to a Houston theft ring. In September, the technology aided in a jugging investigation, leading to swift arrests.
“We had these suspects arrested very quickly, oftentimes within 30 minutes to an hour,” Flores noted, showcasing the efficiency of the cameras.
The New Braunfels Police Department maintains a website where residents can access information about the automated license plate reader policy, audits, usage data, and case results, promoting transparency.
Flores also expressed a desire for state lawmakers to establish clear guidelines for the use of this technology. “One of the important things that I would ask our state legislators to do is to provide guardrails, strict guardrails on how we use these tools,” he stated. “That will then provide some consistency across the state.”
According to the department, any data collected from the license plate readers is deleted after 30 days, and the city has ceased allowing statewide law enforcement access to its data, ensuring privacy.
As the deadline approaches, New Braunfels leaders are expected to reach a decision regarding the future of the cameras by mid-November, depending on the outcome of state grant funding.
