NDHP upgrades technology

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  Science and Technology on Sat, Oct 18th, 2025 by Valley News Live

North Dakota Highway Patrol Modernizes with New Technology Suite

The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) is implementing a significant technology upgrade, slated to be fully operational by early 2026. The initiative, announced October 18th, aims to enhance officer safety, improve traffic incident response times, and bolster data collection capabilities across the state. The investment represents a substantial shift in how troopers will perform their duties, moving towards a more digitally integrated approach to law enforcement.

The core of the upgrade revolves around three key components: body-worn cameras (BWCs), automated license plate readers (ALPRs), and an updated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Each element addresses specific operational needs identified through recent assessments of NDHP’s current infrastructure.

Body-Worn Cameras for Increased Accountability & Safety

Following a pilot program conducted in select districts over the past year, all NDHP troopers will be equipped with BWCs. The cameras are designed to record interactions between officers and citizens, providing an objective record of events. This move aligns with a national trend towards increased transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. According to Colonel Brandon Stuhr, Superintendent of the NDHP, the BWCs are intended not only for oversight but also as a tool to protect both officers and the public. "These cameras provide crucial evidence in investigations, help resolve disputes, and offer a valuable training resource," he stated during the announcement. The selected camera system, Axon Body 3, includes features like low-light recording capabilities and automatic uploading of footage to secure cloud storage. NDHP has established clear policies regarding BWC usage, including guidelines for activation, data retention, and public access requests, mirroring best practices outlined by organizations such as the Police Executive Research Forum.

Automated License Plate Readers Expand Coverage & Enhance Investigations

The deployment of ALPRs represents a significant expansion of NDHP’s investigative capabilities. These devices automatically scan license plates and compare them against databases containing information on stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and vehicles associated with Amber Alerts or other critical incidents. The current system utilizes approximately 150 fixed location readers strategically placed across the state, primarily at entry/exit points and high-traffic areas. The upgrade includes an additional 75 mobile ALPR units to be deployed in patrol cars, increasing coverage significantly. Data collected by the ALPRs is stored securely and subject to strict access controls. NDHP emphasizes that the system is intended for investigative purposes only and not for general surveillance. The data retention policy limits storage duration based on the type of alert triggered – typically 30 days for routine scans and longer periods for vehicles flagged as involved in criminal activity. Concerns regarding privacy have been addressed through a public awareness campaign detailing the ALPR program's purpose, limitations, and oversight mechanisms.

Modernized CAD System Improves Dispatch Efficiency & Response Times

The existing Computer-Aided Dispatch system, which manages emergency calls and dispatches officers, is being replaced with a next-generation platform from Motorola Solutions. The new CAD system integrates seamlessly with the BWCs and ALPRs, providing dispatchers with real-time information on officer locations, available resources, and incident details. This integration aims to reduce response times, improve situational awareness for responding units, and enhance communication between officers and dispatchers. The upgraded system also includes advanced mapping capabilities and predictive analytics tools that can help identify potential crime hotspots and allocate resources proactively. Training for all dispatch personnel is underway to ensure a smooth transition to the new platform. The previous CAD system was reportedly nearing its end-of-life, with increasing maintenance costs and limited functionality hindering operational efficiency.

Funding & Future Considerations

The technology upgrade represents an investment of approximately $18 million, funded through a combination of state appropriations and federal grants. A portion of the funding is allocated to ongoing training for NDHP personnel on the new systems. The initiative’s success will be measured by key performance indicators including response times, arrest rates for wanted persons, and officer safety incidents. While the initial rollout focuses on the three core components, NDHP officials have indicated that future technology enhancements are under consideration, potentially including drone integration for search and rescue operations and advanced data analytics platforms to identify emerging crime trends. The department is also exploring options for integrating these new technologies with other state agencies to improve information sharing and collaboration across public safety sectors.

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/10/18/ndhp-upgrades-technology/