Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
Supporting public safety. Protecting privacy.
SDPD uses Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology to help investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles, respond to critical incidents and locate missing people.
The Department’s ALPR cameras are affixed to streetlights and capture rear license plates from passing vehicles. The technology isn’t outfitted with audio capabilities or facial recognition. The Department has strict rules for how ALPR data is accessed, stored, shared and audited.
SDPD’s data cannot be searched by outside agencies. Department policy and California law restrict unauthorized sharing, including with federal and out-of-state agencies.
ALPR cameras capture:
- An image of a vehicle at a location at a specific date and time
- Plate (partial/full)
- Plate Type (in-state, out-of-state, temporary tag)
- Make, model and color of vehicle
- Vehicle Characteristics (such as a bumper sticker, a missing hubcap, a dent, or a unique identifier)
ALPR Cameras DO NOT capture:
- Images of faces (there are no facial recognition capabilities)
- Cannot determine race, age, or gender of the driver or passengers
ALPR at a Glance
500 ALPR Cameras
Deployed throughout San Diego, with a focus on major thoroughfares. View ALPR Camera Locations
30-Day Retention
ALPR data is deleted after 30 days unless it’s being used for an investigation. Most data captured is never looked at.
Restricted Access
Only trained, authorized personnel may access ALPR data for law enforcement purposes.
Regular Audits
Every ALPR search is logged, requires a case or event number, and is subject to weekly audits.
ALPR in Action
934
Investigation Assists
$8.9M
in Stolen Property Recovered
20%
drop in auto theft
686
Stolen Vehicles Recovered
700
Arrests
28
Firearms recovered
Dec. 2023 - Nov. 2026
How ALPR Can and Cannot Be Used
Allowed Uses
Per policy, ALPR technology is allowed only for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including:
- Investigating crimes and locating stolen or wanted vehicles.
- Supporting responses to critical public threats, like active shooters or terrorism.
- Safeguarding the community by locating at-risk missing persons via AMBER, Silver, and Feather Alerts.
Prohibited Uses
- Personal use or searches without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
- Discriminatory targeting based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle (in accordance with Department Policy 9.31).
- Invading personal privacy.
- Investigating parking violations or conducting routine traffic enforcement.
- Violating any constitutional rights or state laws, including laws limiting immigration enforcement and safeguarding reproductive privacy (e.g., SB 34, California Values Act, AB 1242).
Real Cases. Real Results.
Privacy, Security and Accountability
SDPD has established safeguards to protect ALPR data, prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with Department policy.
Trained Personnel Only:
Only authorized personnel who complete annual ALPR training may access the system.
Documented Searches:
Every search requires a case or event number and a documented reason.
Regular Audits:
Every ALPR search is logged and is subject to weekly audits. Audit logs of SDPD’s use are published monthly on the SDPD ALPR Website for public review.
Data Sharing Restrictions:
SDPD’s data is closed and cannot be searched by outside agencies. Department policy and California law restrict unauthorized sharing, including with federal and out-of-state agencies.
Accountability:
Any suspected misuse is reported to a supervisor and investigated. Officers under investigation for ALPR misuse have their system access revoked during the investigation and appeals process. Access is only restored if cleared of wrongdoing.
Public Oversight and Continuous Improvement
SDPD’s use of ALPR is subject to the City’s Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology (TRUST) Ordinance, which establishes requirements for community engagement, Privacy Advisory Board review, City Council approval, and annual reporting.
SDPD’s work under the TRUST Ordinance has served as a model for platform-wide improvements – such as pioneering required event and case number tracking features.
Review and Approval Process
Community Meeting followed by Privacy Advisory Board followed by City Council followed by Annual Review
Explore ALPR Information
ALPR Usage data: Review publicly available usage statistics.
Policies and Audit Reports: Access the ALPR Use Policy, Surveillance Impact Report, and published audit records.
SDPD continues to evaluate its ALPR policies and technical safeguards to support public safety while protecting privacy and civil rights.