The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is reevaluating its use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) due to concerns over data privacy and sharing. The LAPD’s official watchdog, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), has urged the department to reconsider its agreements with vendors that operate the ALPRs.

Data Privacy Concerns

Over a two-month period last year, the ALPRs aided in the recovery of at least 337 stolen cars and led to dozens of felony arrests. However, the OIG reported significant data privacy and sharing concerns that need to be addressed. The OIG suggests the LAPD suspend the deployment of new ALPR cameras and execution of new ALPR-related contracts pending public input and a broader reassessment of vendors and data practices.

The LAPD has ALPR data-sharing agreements with 15 other law enforcement agencies in Southern California. The OIG found that the department had not conducted a thorough audit of ALPR usage since 2022. The LAPD has decided not to renew its agreement with Flock Safety, one of the vendors that supply ALPR equipment, due to concerns over data privacy and civil liberties.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.