Reported by Times of San Diego
The San Diego Police Department said it will no longer let officers list “other” as the reason for searching the automated license plate reader system.
As Times of San Diego reported in September, SDPD this year began publicly disclosing why officers searched the database of 500 ALPR cameras around the city. Stolen cars, arrest warrants and gun offenses were the most common reasons. But of the nearly 115,000 searches, officers generically listed “other” as their reason nearly 4,000 times.
On Wednesday — during a hearing in which a City Council committee voted to draft an ordinance to end the city’s contract with ALPR operator Flock Safety — an SDPD spokesperson responded to criticism from Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera by announcing the department would end the option for officers to list “other” as the reason for their search.
Automated License Plate Readers are helping San Diego police solve serious crimes, recover stolen vehicles and property, and locate missing people,” Gloria said. “Taking this proven tool away from our officers would be a serious mistake and a step backward for public safety.”
