San Jose Proposes Stronger Safeguards for License Plate Readers

San Jose again seeks to tighten controls on its automated license plate reader (ALPR) network after a San Jose police officer was fired in April for misusing the data to track a woman involved in a domestic violence complaint with him, according to the Mercury News.

Mayor Matt Mahan, Vice Mayor Pam Foley and Councilmates Domingo Candelas and George Casey introduced the safeguards, which include limiting city employees’ access to ALPR data via personal devices, expanding audits for suspicious searches, and advocating for state law reforms to close gaps in oversight.

The officials argue that while ALPRs have proven valuable for solving serious crimes, stricter limits on data access, routine audits and meaningful penalties for violations are needed. The city’s network of 516 cameras has drawn criticism over privacy concerns, with critics citing a recent public outcry and two pending lawsuits, including a November 2025 case filed by ACLU Northern California and other groups over warrantless searches.

Though previous rules adopted in March shortened data retention and restricted camera placement, advocates like ACLU attorney Nick Hidalgo say current measures remain insufficient and amount to public relations efforts rather than structural reforms.