Policy Text
Policy Oakland Police Department
430 Policy Manual
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
430.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the capture, storage and use of digital data
obtained through the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology.
430.2 POLICY
The policy of the Oakland Police Department is to utilize ALPR technology to capture and store
digital license plate data and images while recognizing the established privacy rights of the public.
All data and images gathered by the ALPR are for the official use of this department. Because
such data may contain confidential information, it is not open to public review.
430.3 ADMINISTRATION
The ALPR technology, also known as License Plate Recognition (LPR), allows for the automated
detection of license plates. It is used by the Oakland Police Department to convert data associated
with vehicle license plates for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or
wanted vehicles, stolen license plates and missing persons. It may also be used to gather information related to active warrants, suspect interdiction and stolen property recovery.
All installatio n and maintenance of ALPR equipment, as well as ALPR data retention and access,
shall be managed by the Bureau of Services Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief will assign members
under his/her command to administer the day -to-day operation of the ALPR equipment and data.
430.3.1 ALPR ADMINISTRATOR
The Bureau of Services Deputy Chief shall be the administrator of ALPR program , and shall be
responsible for developing guidelines and procedures to comply with the requirements of Civil
Code § 1798.90.5 et seq. This includes, but is not limited to Civil Code §§ 1798.90.51 through
1798.90.53:
(a) A description of the job title or other designation of the members and independent
contractors who are authorized to use or access the ALPR system or to collect ALPR
information.
(b) Training requirements for authorized users.
(c) A description of how the ALPR system will be monitored to ensure the security of the
information and compliance with applicable privacy laws.
(d) Procedures for system operators to maintain records of access in compliance with Civil
Code § 1798.90.52.
(e) The title of the current designee overseeing the ALPR operation.
Oakland Police Department
Policy Manual
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
(f) Working with the Custodian of Records on the retention and destruction of ALPR data.
(g) Ensuring this policy and related procedures are conspicuously posted on the department’s
website.
430.4 ALPR USERS
Personnel authorized to use ALPR equipment or access information collected through the use of
such equipment shall be specifically trained in such technology and authorized by the Chief of
Police or designee. Such personnel shall be limited to designated sergeants, officers, police
service technicians, and parking enforcement personnel unless otherwise authorized.
430.5 PURPOSES FOR ACCESSING AND USING ALPR INFORMATION
Use of an ALPR is restricted to the purposes outlined below. The title of the official custodian of the
ALPR system, responsible for implementing this section, is the ALPR Coordinator.
Department members shall not use, or allow others to use the equipment or database records for
any unauthorized purpose (Civil Code § 1798.90.51; Civil Code § 1798.90.53).
(a) No member of this department shall operate ALPR equipment or access ALPR data without
first completing department -approved training.
(b) No ALPR operator may access department, state or federal data unless otherwise
authorized to do so.
(c) While an ALPR may be used to canvass license plates around any crime scene, particular
consideration should be given to using ALPR -equipped cars to canvass areas around
homicides, shootings and other major incidents. Partial license plates reported during major
crimes should be entered into the ALPR system in an attempt to identify suspect vehicles.
(d) An ALPR shall only be used for official law enforcement business.
(e) An ALPR may be used in conjunction with any routine patrol operation or criminal
investigation. Reasonable suspicion or probable cause is not required before using an ALPR
to scan license plates or collect data .
(f) If practicable, agency personnel should verify an ALPR response through the California
Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) before taking enforcement action
that is based solely on an ALPR alert.
(g) Accessing data collected by ALPR requires a right to know and a need to know. A right to
know is the legal authority to receive information pursuant to a court order, statutory law, or
case law. A need to know is a compelling reason to request information such as direct
involvement in an investigation.
430.6 DATA COLLECTION AND RETENTION
The Bur eau of Services Deputy Chief is responsible for ensuring systems and processes are in
place for the proper collection, accuracy and retention of ALPR data. Data will be transferred from
vehicles to the designated storage in accordance with department procedures.
All AL