HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11 - Automated License Plate Recognition System Police Department
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Item # 11
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 15, 2025
TOPIC: Automated License Plate Recognition System
AGENDA TITLE
Automated License Plate Recognition System
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to California Senate Bill 34 (2015), a public agency that operates or intends to
operate an Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system shall provide an
opportunity for public comment at a regularly scheduled public meeting of the governing
body of the public agency before implementing the program. This staff report is to
provide the information regarding the Police Department’s intent to procure and use an
ALPR system and to allow for the public to provide comment.
The Santa Ana Police Department strives to provide effective police services with
integrity, respect, and compassion while fostering strong partnerships with the
community it serves. Utilizing available technology that aligns with the City’s law
enforcement practices remains a top priority. To further this priority, staff intends to
adopt an ALPR program in the City of Santa Ana to significantly enhance the Police
Department's capabilities by automatically scanning and processing thousands of
license plates daily.
This technology allows officers to focus on community engagement and proactive
policing while the system efficiently gathers data on vehicle movements. With current
staffing deficits within the Police Department, an ALPR program will help close the gap
in service by leveraging technology to support policing efforts to effectively respond to
and investigate criminal incidents. ALPR technology can assist in the swift identification
of vehicles associated with criminal activity and help recover missing persons. This
rapid response capability can deter crime and improve overall community safety.
Automated License Plate Recognition System
April 15, 2025
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Implementing ALPR technology in Santa Ana can enhance trust within the community
by ensuring that policing efforts are data-driven and focused on actual crime trends,
while reducing police contacts perceived to be prejudicial or arbitrary. The ability to
gather timely and specific vehicle data can determine whether or not police personnel
can obtain crucial evidence to assist in bringing justice to victims of crime in our city.
Staff intends to bring agreements for ALPR equipment and software for City Council
consideration at a future meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
None
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Police Chief
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager