Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology

What We Use

The Sacramento Police Department uses Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology as a law enforcement investigative resource.

SPD currently uses two ALPR systems:

• Motorola Solutions / Vigilant LEARN Axon ALPR
• Axon ALPR

What We Use It For

ALPR technology helps officers locate vehicles and develop leads related to criminal investigations and public safety incidents.

• Examples of authorized uses include:
• Locating stolen vehicles and license plates.
• Locating vehicles associated with wanted or missing persons.
• Checking whether a specific suspect vehicle was near a crime scene. 
• Corroborating information provided by victims, witnesses, or suspects. 
• Assisting officers during active calls for service.

Accountability and Safeguards

SPD has safeguards in place to ensure ALPR technology is used appropriately and only for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

• Verification: An ALPR alert is an investigative lead; not, by itself, grounds for a stop. Before taking enforcement action, officers must independently verify the information and have reasonable suspicion or probable cause as required by law. 
• Auditing and Accountability: Every ALPR search is logged, including who conducted the search, when it occurred, what was searched, and the associated call or case number. Designated ALPR administrators conduct quarterly audits of system searches. Potential policy violations are referred to the employee's Division Commander for review. 
• Authorized Access: Access to ALPR systems is limited to authorized personnel who have completed required training. Each authorized user accesses the system through an individual account.
• Data Sharing: ALPR information is only shared with authorized law enforcement partners for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in accordance with state law and Department policy. SPD does not sell, rent, or commercialize ALPR data. California law and SPD policy prohibit the use and sharing of law enforcement information for civil immigration enforcement and prohibit ALPR information from being used to investigate individuals in connection with lawful reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare provided in California. 
• Data Protection: Department policy governs how ALPR information may be accessed, shared, retained, and deleted. ALPR data is retained in accordance with applicable policy and records requirements and is deleted when it is no longer required to be maintained, unless it must be preserved as evidence.

 

SPD's use of ALPR technology is governed by General Order 525.08, the City of Sacramento ALPR Policy, and applicable California law.