License plate readers can help with KC World Cup safety — with limits | Opinion

Smart public safety means using tools that work. Having served in both the Kansas Legislature and at the local level in Wyandotte County, I know how important it is to keep our communities safe. That responsibility is only heightened as our region prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this June, bringing an influx of visitors and new security challenges to Kansas City.

Crime today moves quickly, crosses borders and doesn’t stop at jurisdictional lines. To keep up, we must use modern tools to combat violent crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking. License plate recognition or LPR technology is one of those tools.

At its core, LPR is straightforward. It helps law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes in real time, especially in cases like stolen vehicles, hit-and-runs or trafficking, where timing is critical. As we prepare for the World Cup, that kind of rapid, targeted information will be essential to keeping both residents and visitors safe.

But adopting new technology requires clear boundaries. LPR systems should be used strictly as license plate readers. The moment they expand into areas such as facial recognition or tracking personal habits, we have gone too far. Protecting public safety should never come at the expense of personal liberty.

The right approach is a balanced one: strong oversight, clear guidelines and transparency in how these tools are used. When implemented responsibly, LPR technology can strengthen our broader public safety strategy, especially during high-profile events such as the World Cup.

We have the opportunity to use proven tools to meet this moment — keeping our communities safe while respecting the freedoms that define them.

Tom Burroughs is a lifelong Wyandotte County resident and former at-large County commissioner and Democratic leader of the Kansas House of Representatives.