REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report Regarding an Amendment to the Santa Clara Police Department's Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Policy
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and enhance high quality efficient services and infrastructure
BACKGROUND
Automated / automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) capture computer-readable images that allow law enforcement to compare plate numbers against plates of stolen cars or cars driven by individuals wanted on criminal charges. The devices are mounted on police cars, road signs or traffic lights and capture thousands of images of plates. The data collected can enhance law enforcement's ability to investigate and enforce the law.
On January 1, 2016, Senate Bill 34 went into effect. SB 34 created California Civil Code (CCC) Title 1.81.23 entitled "Collection of License Plate Information" (Section 1798.90.5, et seq.) that requires any public agency, including a law enforcement agency, that operates Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to maintain reasonable security procedures and practices, including operational, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, to protect ALPR information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure. SB 34 also requires the agency to implement a usage and privacy policy that meets certain requirements, including:
* The authorized purposes for using the ALPR system and collecting ALPR information;
* A description of the job title or other designation of the employees and independent contractors who are authorized to use or access the ALPR system, or to collect ALPR information. The policy shall identify the training requirements necessary for those authorized employees and independent contractors;
* A description of how the ALPR system will be monitored to ensure the security of the information and compliance with applicable privacy laws;
* The purposes of, process for, and restrictions on, the sale, sharing, or transfer of ALP...
Click here for full text