HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-13; AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS (Districts - All}; Williams, MickeyTo the mern bers of the:
Cl1Y COUNCIL
Date I /r3Ff>CA ../ CC ✓
CM V ACM ✓ DCM (3) ✓
Jan. 13, 2022
Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor Hall ers of the City Council
From: Mickey Williams, Chie .
Via: Scott Chadwick, City
Re: AUTOMATED LICENSE ADERS (Districts -All}
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2022008
This memorandum provides information related to the Police Department's automated license
plate reader (ALPR) program, the Police Department's actions to correct errors that were
discovered, and steps taken to prevent similar issues in the future.
Background
On May 6, 2021, Chief Gallucci issued Special Order 2021-03 which provided that ALPR data shall
only be shared with law enforcement agencies within the State of California. Furthermore, Police
Department policy requires monthly and twice-annual audits of ALPR database activity.
Recently, a reporter investigated ALPR programs across the county. During this investigation, the
reporter inquired why the Carlsbad Police Department was sharing its ALPR data with the Las
Vegas Metro Police Department in Nevada. A Police Department investigation was launched
regarding why the Police Department was sharing ALPR data with the Las Vegas Metro Police
Department.
Discussion
The internal Police Department investigation revealed that on July 13, 2021, a police department
staff member mistakenly approved the Police Department's ALPR data to be shared with Las
Vegas Metro (NV) Police Department and the Prescott (AZ) Police Department, while approving
data sharing requests from the San Jose Police Department (CA) and the Sonoma County Sheriff's
Department {CA). On September 9, 2021, during a regularly scheduled ALPR Police Department
audit, the improper data sharing with Prescott PD (AZ) was recognized and stopped. On
November 30, 2021, in response to the reporter's inquiry, the improper data sharing with the Las
Vegas Metro (NV) Police Department was stopped.
Next Steps
To prevent this type of error in sharing ALPR data with unauthorized agencies in the future, the
following actions will be implemented to ensure compliance:
Police Department
Administration
2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 760-931-210
Council Memo -Automated License Plate Readers
Jan. 13, 2022
Page 2
• Only the lieutenant in charge of the ALPR program and the IT Manager will have
administrator rights to approve data sharing with new agencies.
• The monthly audit prepared by the lieutenant in charge of the ALPR program will be
verified by the Professional Standards and Services Bureau Lieutenant to make certain
proper protocols are followed.
• Chief Williams has issued Special Order 2022-02 which requires the written permission
from a police manager with the rank of Captain or higher to approve sharing requests
with new agencies.
The Police Department takes seriously the administration of the ALPR program which has proved
to be a valuable tool in providing for the safety of the community. The intention of these
modifications is to help ensure the Police Department is compliant with all laws, policies and
procedures governing the ALPR system.
cc: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Cindy Anderson, Senior Management Analyst