“The equipment is encrypted, so no one [outside the department] can get in there. ... And if

“The equipment is encrypted, so no one [outside the department] can get in there. ... And if someone was to hack the system, all that’s stored are pictures of license plates.”

Jim Willock, Mill Creek MetroParks Police chief, describing the safeguards built into the department’s recently purchased license-plate-reading system.

“Transnational gangs overrun some communities through fear, intimidation and ruthless acts of violence. ... The criminal enterprises these gangs represent destabilize our communities and our everyday lives.”

Mike Feinberg, acting special FBI agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations, after a massive effort carried out by 120 federal and state officials led to the arrest of 12 suspected members of a local gang with international ties in Grand Island, Neb.