REGION — A planned expansion of automated license plate recognition cameras in unincorporated communities in San Diego County is making progress today and could be operational by the year’s end, the Sheriff’s Office announced.
According to sheriff’s officials, the agency plans to install 60 cameras in the communities of Alpine, Borrego Springs, Campo, Fallbrook, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Spring Valley and Valley Center.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, automated license plate recognition cameras capture color images of license plates and compare them with law enforcement databases. The transmitted information can help law enforcement “identify stolen vehicles, track suspects, locate missing persons and assist with criminal investigations,” the office added.
ALPR technology dates back to the 1970s but didn’t catch on with U.S. law enforcement agencies until the mid-2000s, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday, sheriff’s Capt. Christopher Lawrence told the county Board of Supervisors that the camera system is non-discriminatory.
ALPR systems “have already made a positive and measurable impact on the public safety efforts in other cities throughout San Diego (county),” he said.
Lawrence said the Sheriff’s Office will comply with California law regarding the ALPR program, which includes officer training.
Sheriff Kelly Martinez told the board no entity outside of California would be able to access collected ALPR data.
Supervisor Jim Desmond said he appreciated the Sheriff’s Office conducting robust community outreach on the ALPR program and was very supportive of the agency using all its tools to combat crime.
His colleague Monica Montgomery Steppe said that while balancing privacy and public safety concerns is necessary, she appreciated the Sheriff’s Office’s posting of its ALPR policy online and not sharing data outside of the state.
