SHERIFF RELEASES DETAILS ON PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE-PLATE READING CAMERAS ACROSS REGION

Source:  San Diego County Sheriff

November 8, 2024 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled its plan to install more ALPR cameras in unincorporated areas of San Diego County during a presentation Oct. 22 to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation outlined the proposal to potentially install about 60 new ALPR cameras in key communities, including Alpine, Borrego Springs, Campo, Fallbrook, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Spring Valley and Valley Center.

This expansion is part of the Sheriff’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety with cutting-edge technology.

During the summer months, 30 community outreach events were facilitated to inform and receive feedback from communities that are anticipated to have ALPR devices. During today's Board of Supervisors presentation, the public also had the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about the plan to introduce ALPR technology in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

ALPR cameras play a critical role in locating missing persons, investigating serious crimes such as arson and assaults, as well as ensuring community safety.

ALPR cameras serve as a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement agencies, acting as a force-multiplier in crime prevention and public safety efforts. These cameras capture color images of license plates and automatically compare them against law enforcement databases, helping to identify stolen vehicles, track suspects, locate missing persons, and assist with criminal investigations.

ALPR technology has been in use since the 1970s but became more widely adopted in the U.S. in the mid-2000s.

The Sheriff’s Office has already rolled out ALPR technology in five contract cities - Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, San Marcos, and Poway - leading to significant investigative success. Crimes solved through the use of ALPR cameras include homicides, kidnappings, vehicle theft, burglaries and assaults.

We understand that concerns about privacy and data security are important. That is why the Sheriff's Office has implemented strict protocols governing the storage, use and access of ALPR data. This includes limiting the retention of information to relevant criminal investigations, adhering to local and federal privacy regulations and ensuring transparency with the public on how ALPR technology is used.

To ensure data privacy, the Sheriff’s Office follows strict policies in accordance with State Senate Bill 34. Access to ALPR data is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel. The data is retained for a maximum of one year unless used in ongoing investigations. Audits are conducted annually to verify compliance with privacy policies. Data sharing is limited to local law enforcement agencies through secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

For more information about the Sheriff's ALPR program, click here.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting the rights and safety of all residents by utilizing advanced law enforcement technology. Our policies are designed to ensure transparency, community engagement, and equitable outcomes in all operations.