LAPD Use of License Plate Readers in L.A. Under Review

The L.A. Police Commission’s Officer of the Inspector General (OIG) held an online public meeting about the department’s use and oversight of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology this afternoon.

There are currently 298 pole-mounted cameras in the city, 140 vehicle roof-mounted cameras, 1,500 in-car ALPRs, and 7 mobile trailer cameras, according to the presentation. Last year, between Aug. 1 and Sept 30, the system conducted more than 210 million license plate reads, which resulted in 68 alerts and 74 arrests. In addition, 337 stolen vehicles were recovered.

Privacy and data-security concerns about Flock Safety, one of the three vendors that provide ALPR technology and services to LAPD, have been a concern of some L.A. residents. The OIG currently recommends against adding anymore cameras pending public input.

During the meeting, The Canyon Alliance Board Member Sharon Kilbride asked that LAPD continue to keep Flock cameras in the Palisades.

“Flock cameras are vital in the Pacific Palisades community to deter and solve crimes, especially the frequent theft of copper wiring from construction sites,” Kilbride said. “Keeping these cameras active helps detectives quickly identify perpetrators, prevents costly delays in rebuilding homes after the devastating Palisades Fire, and protects residents from further financial and safety risks.”

Residents who would like to share their views with the OIG can email communityrelationsoig@lacity.org until Aug. 6.