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Report regarding the status of the South San Francisco Police Department’s Fixed-Mount Automated License Plate Reader Program (ALPR), ALPR vendor research, and future of the program. (Anthony Pinell, Captain, Police Department)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Move to direct the City Manager and relevant staff to draft a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the City’s next Fixed-Mount ALPR vendor with the intent to publish the solicitation no later than January 30, 2027, and report back to Council with the evaluation results and recommendation by April 30, 2027.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco has contracted with Flock Safety to provide fixed-mount Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) services since November 2022. Since implementation, the system has served as a valuable investigative tool, contributing to 163 arrests, the recovery of 109 stolen vehicles, and the recovery of nine firearms. Notably, ALPR technology has assisted officers and detectives in apprehending suspects involved in serious felony offenses, including attempted murders, shootings, stabbings, sexual assaults, robberies, kidnappings, burglaries, and vehicular manslaughter. The system has also been used to help locate at risk missing persons.
While this technology has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and helped bring criminal offenders into custody, the department recognizes community concerns regarding privacy and access to ALPR data. The South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) takes these concerns seriously and adheres to applicable state laws and department policies governing access to and sharing of ALPR data. The department also conducts monthly system audits to monitor compliance and has confirmed that SSFPD personnel have consistently accessed ALPR data in accordance with department policy and state law.
In July 2026, the Department received a California Public Records Act request seeking an “all-time” network audit...
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