BARTLESVILLE, Okla. –

Bartlesville police will continue using automated license plate reader cameras after the city council approved an extension to keep the technology in place.

Supporters say the cameras help officers solve crimes, including locating stolen vehicles. Critics, however, argue the technology raises privacy concerns and could violate constitutional rights.

The cameras are installed at 10 locations across Bartlesville.

Some residents and council members questioned who has access to the data collected by the cameras and how that information is used. Opponents also pointed to reports from other states, including Kansas and Texas, where officers have been accused of improperly using license plate reader data to track girlfriends, former partners or people they were allegedly stalking.

Ward 1 Councilor Tim Sherrick voted against extending the program.

“The Constitution is clear, which is something that’s been echoed in this room time and again, that the Fourth Amendment is not flexible on this matter,” Sherrick said.

Despite those concerns, a majority of the council voted to continue the program.

Ward 4 Councilor Aaron Kirkpatrick said Bartlesville has adopted safeguards designed to prevent misuse of the technology.

“We have been extra cautious in Bartlesville to make sure that even if somebody’s town ends up getting in trouble for the way they have deployed cameras, we will not,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick said not every officer has access to the camera data. He also said the city’s policies require monthly audits to review how often officers search the database and how the information is used.

“One of the things that we wrote into our regulations and policy in Bartlesville was to do monthly audits of the way this system gets used,” Kirkpatrick said.

According to Kirkpatrick, the audits are intended to ensure the cameras are used only to help investigate crimes and that any misuse is addressed. He also said the city is prepared to remove the cameras if state law ever requires it.

The Bartlesville City Council also approved replacing two cameras currently operated by Flock Safety with cameras from Axon.

News On 6 reached out to the Bartlesville Police Department for more information about how officers use the cameras.