Oakland, CA – During yesterday’s Council meeting, Councilmembers Treva Reid and Loren Taylor successfully accelerated the approval of the city’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Service Use Policy. As representatives of District 6 & 7, areas that experience the greatest levels of crime, their leadership kept the policy from being stalled in committee and provided the opportunity for fruitful debate –– ultimately leading to Council’s unanimous support.
“Our residents' experiences of devastating loss with limited accountability further exacerbates the trauma in our community. The ALPR technology helps ensure OPD has the enhanced tools to keep Oaklanders safe and hold criminals accountable,” said Reid. “The support received from my council colleagues avoided further delay and much needed action.”
“While APLR technology is already in use in well-resourced commercial corridors, and in a small fraction of the OPD vehicles, it is essential that we pave the way for expanded use across the city to improve safety and address equity.” said Councilmember Taylor.
With the approval of the ALPR Surveillance Use Policy and Surveillance Impact Report, OPD will have an enhanced ability to track down individuals involved in serious crimes such as armed robberies, homicides, and other public safety threats. Upgrades to the policy, include:
Greater access to the vehicular data they need to solve current and future cases; and,
Routine compliance audits to ensure usage is in alignment with residents’ privacy concerns.
For more information on the corresponding legislation, please visit Oakland Legistar.
Background:
** Councilmember Reid also successfully proposed an amendment to ensure the protection of reproductive healthcare privacy with the use of ALPRs.