Title
Recommendation to Accept the Annual Automated License Plate Readers Data Report from the Alameda Police Department. (Police 10031130)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) Police Department (APD) acquired Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) in 2023 and uses this technology to assist with public safety. Pursuant to APD’s Policy 438.11, APD is required to submit an annual report that contains an audit of use and efficacy.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with Policy 438 (see Exhibit 2), it is the responsibility of the ALPR Administrator to ensure that an audit of ALPR detection browsing inquiries is conducted at least once each calendar year. APD audits a sampling of ALPR system utilization from the prior 12-month period to verify proper use in accordance with the authorized uses. The audit randomly selects at least 10 detective browsing inquiries conducted by APD employees during the preceding 12-month period and determines if each inquiry meets the requirements established in this policy.
The audit is documented in an internal department memorandum to the Chief of Police. The memorandum includes any data errors or policy violations found so that these errors can be corrected and violations addressed. Additionally, the memorandum includes an evaluation of the system’s efficacy, including relevant crime statistics and/or data to help the community assess whether use of the technology is beneficial. After the Chief of Police's review, the memorandum and any associated documentation are filed and retained in accordance with the City’s retention policies.
Beginning on January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the Chief of Police is expected to submit an annual report to the City Council. The annual report must include, at a minimum:
1. A summary of the audit memorandum, including any corrective action taken, except any disclosure of confidential disciplinary information prohibited by law.
2. The number of fixed ALPR cameras.
3. The number of mobile ALPR cameras.
4. The number of scanned license plates.
5. The number of hotlist hits or alerts.
6. The number of search queries and the justification for such queries.
7. The number of investigative leads generated by the use of ALPR data.
8. The number of witnesses located by use of ALPR data.
9. The number of stolen vehicles recovered by use of ALPR data.
10. The number of suspects apprehended by use of ALPR data.
11. A list of Authorized Agencies that accessed or received ALPR data.
12. The approved and unapproved ALPR data requests from third parties.
13. Total costs for maintenance, upgrades, licensing, and training.
DISCUSSION
Police Department personnel conducted a review of the ALPR system, which included an inspection of the monthly audits. The review covered the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. (See Exhibit 1)
The review showed the following:
• Nine of the 10,413 searches did not include a crime code or report/incident number in the search field. This represents an error rate of 0.086%. Each employee who was identified as not including the required details received additional training and corrective action.
• The 36 fixed and 21 mobile ALPR cameras scanned 115,878,492 license plates.
• The technology resulted in the development of 649 investigative leads, the arrest of 43 individuals, and the recovery of 24 stolen vehicles.
• Fourteen law enforcement agencies submitted a total of 14 requests for ALPR data. None of the requests were from the United States Immigration Customs and Enforcement Agency. All requests were approved.
• The total costs for maintenance, upgrades, licensing, and training were $171,236.67.
ALTERNATIVES
• Accept this informational report
• Reject this informational report
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City Council previously approved the original contract, and there are no financial impacts from accepting the ALPR data report.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This report complies with APD Policy 438.11 (Exhibit 2), in accordance with applicable state law, California Civil Code § 1798.90.51. This report is also in support of the Strategic Plan Project #CS18 (Enhancing Community Safety and Services - Install vehicle Automated License Plate Readers).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, and therefore, no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the annual automated license plate readers data report from the Alameda Police Department.
Respectfully submitted,
Nishant Joshi, Chief of Police
By,
Jeffery Emmitt, Police Captain
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. 2025 Automated License Plate Reader Audit Memorandum
2. Policy 438