Policy Text
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2.455. Automated License Plate Reco gnition
It is the policy of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s
Department to utilize the latest technologies available for crime
prevention, suppression and apprehension of criminals.
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) uses such
technology to scan, detec t and identify license plate numbers
that appear on selected Hot Lists. All users will receive
appropriate training prior to being authorized to use the
devices for law enforcement purposes. All Department ALPRs
will be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer
recommendations and Department policy.
2.455.10 Purpose and Scope
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) uses infrared
technology to scan, detect and identify license plate numbers.
The purpose of this policy is to provide guid ance for the
capture, storage, and use of the digital data obtained through
the use of the ALPR technology.
2.455.15 AUTOMATED LICENSE PL ATE RECOGNITION –
OPERATIONS
Use of the ALPR is restricted to the purposes detailed below.
Department members shall not use, or allow others to use, the
equipment or database records for any unauthorized purpose.
ALPR shall be used only for official and legitimate law
enforcement business.
ALPR may be used in conjunction with any routine patrol
function or criminal in vestigation. Reasonable suspicion or
probable cause is not required before using ALPR.
Users are encouraged to enter license plate numbers manually
into the ALPR system “Hot List” when a vehicle is suspect or
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wanted, such as in major investigations or Ambe r Alert (or other
similarly designated alerts). ALPR can be used to canvass
license plates around any crime scene in real time to attempt
to identify suspect or witness vehicles, or both. The ALPR
database of stored scans may be searched for specific dates ,
times, and locations of open investigations for vehicles of
potential interest.
A safety member holding the rank of Sergeant or higher must
review all cases prior to a full or partial license plate being
entered into the ALPR system “Hot List.”
Generall y, members should not take enforcement action based
solely on an ALPR alert to a mobile data computer. Members
are expected to verify, whenever practicable and safe, any
ALPR information through the appropriate source before taking
action.
2.455.20 Train ing
Members shall not operate ALPR equipment, nor access data,
without first completing department -approved training and any
other instruction mandated by the California Department of
Justice (DOJ), to include that pertaining to CLETS access.
Training coordinators designated by the department should
ensure members intended to use ALPR equipment and access
the databases receive appropriate and mandatory training
(California Civil Code 1798.90.51, and California Civil Code
1798.90.53).
2.455.25 User Responsibility
At the beginning of each tour of duty, users shall inspect ALPR
terminals and operability. They shall document and
immediately report to a supervisor any problem or damage.
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During their tours of duty, users, while in their vehicles, will
monitor all reads and any possible matches. Users should, when
practicable and safe, verify for accuracy any possible matches.
Members shall not make, nor allow to be made, modifications
to the ALPR system, software, or system configuration. Nor, shall
they allow the ALPR system to be connected to any other
devices.
Unauthorized members shall not access ALPR data.
Members authorized to access ALPR data shall do so only when
it relates to a specific criminal investigation, or an administrative
or civil action related to the department. Data may be shared
only with law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies.
2.455.30 Data Collection and Retention
ALPR data downloaded to the server shall be stored for a
minimum of one year (California Government Code Se ction
34090.6). The department shall maintain the data for two years.
Data will be purged after two years unless it is, or it is reasonable
to believe that it will become, evidence in a criminal or civil
action; or, is subject to a lawful order to produce records. The
department shall, under those circumstances, preserve
applicable data on portable media, which then shall be
entered into evidence.
2.455.35 Accountability and Safeguards
Data and images gathered by ALPR are for the department’s
official use. Because this data has the potential for misuse, it is
not open to public view.
Transmission and storage of data shall meet CLETS’
requirements for network and computer security.
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Saved data shall be safeguarded and protected by both
procedural and technological means. ALPR data downloaded
to mobile workstations or servers shall be accessible only
through a log -in password protected system.
Authorized members shall access the system only to participate
in department -approved training; or, to retrieve stored data
related to a specific criminal investigation, or to an
administrative or civil action related to the department.
Articulable suspicion must exist that stored data is related to
one of these investigative purposes.
Access or use of the ALPR data for other reasons may be cause
for formal discipline or criminal prosecution.
2.455.40 Release of Data
ALPR data gathered and retained by the department may be
used and