131 North Isabel Street
Police Department Glendale, California 91206-4382 (818) 548-3117
www.glendaleca.gov
Transparency Regarding Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology
The Glendale Police Department is committed to enhancing public safety while maintaining transparency and protecting the privacy rights of the community we serve. As part of this effort, the Department utilizes Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to assist officers and investigators in solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and identifying investigative leads.
ALPR systems capture images of license plates and associated vehicle characteristics from vehicles traveling on public roadways. This information allows investigators to identify vehicles connected to criminal activity and develop investigative leads during criminal investigations.
The Glendale Police Department currently utilizes ALPR technology provided by Flock Safety (Flock). This technology allows authorized personnel to search license plate information related to criminal investigations occurring within Glendale and neighboring jurisdictions.
Investigative Benefits
ALPR technology has become a valuable investigative tool for the Glendale Police Department. Information obtained through the system has assisted investigators in solving hundreds of criminal cases, including serious investigations involving:
• Homicides
• Armed robberies
• Burglaries
• Vehicle thefts
• Other violent and property crimes
ALPR technology may also assist investigators in identifying stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, missing persons, vehicles associated with active warrants, and other investigative leads related to criminal activity.
In many investigations, ALPR data provides timely information that may not otherwise be available through traditional investigative methods alone.
Operational Efficiency
In addition to supporting criminal investigations, ALPR technology has significantly enhanced operational efficiency within the Department.
Prior to the implementation of this technology, investigators and professional staff often spent extensive time reviewing surveillance footage, conducting neighborhood
canvasses, or manually attempting to identify suspect vehicles. The ALPR system now allows investigators to quickly identify vehicles associated with incidents, which has saved hundreds of manual investigative hours for investigators and professional staff. By streamlining the investigative process, the system enables officers and detectives to focus more time on solving cases, apprehending offenders, and protecting the community.
Staffing and Funding
ALPR cameras deployed throughout the City operate automatically and do not require dedicated personnel to continuously monitor the system. Investigators access the system only when needed during authorized criminal investigations or law enforcement operations.
The ALPR program is funded through the Glendale Police Department’s existing operating budget and does not require additional staffing resources to operate.
Data Collection and Privacy Protections
The Glendale Police Department recognizes that the use of modern technology must be balanced with strong privacy protections and responsible oversight. In accordance with departmental policy and California Civil Code §1798.90.5 et seq., the Department has implemented safeguards governing the collection, storage, use, and sharing of ALPR data.
Key safeguards include:
• Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel who have completed departmentapproved training may access the ALPR system.
• Audit Logging: System access is password-protected and records the user, date, time, license plate queried, and the purpose for accessing the information.
• Oversight: The Special Investigations Bureau Commander oversees the administration, operation, and management of the Department’s ALPR program.
• Accountability: System usage is subject to periodic audits to ensure compliance with departmental policy and applicable laws.
ALPR data collected by the Department is used only for official law enforcement purposes.
Data Retention
In accordance with Glendale Police Department policy, ALPR data is retained for a maximum of 30 days unless the data becomes evidence in a criminal or civil investigation or must otherwise be preserved pursuant to lawful process.
Data Sharing and Immigration Enforcement
The Glendale Police Department maintains strict controls regarding the sharing of ALPR information. In accordance with departmental policy and California law, ALPR data may only be shared with other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes and only after a written request is reviewed and approved by the Special Investigations Bureau Commander or an authorized designee. The Glendale Police Department does not use ALPR technology for immigration enforcement purposes, and ALPR data is not collected or maintained for the purpose of identifying individuals based on immigration status. All requests for ALPR information are documented, reviewed for compliance with departmental policy, and retained for accountability purposes.
Private Camera Systems
Some private businesses or residential communities may independently install Flock Safety cameras on their properties. These privately owned systems operate independently unless the owner voluntarily elects to share information with law enforcement. The Glendale Police Department does not have unrestricted access to privately operated systems unless such access has been authorized by the owner.
Commitment to Transparency
The Glendale Police Department remains committed to responsibly utilizing technology that enhances public safety while protecting civil liberties and maintaining community trust.
ALPR technology is one of several investigative tools that assists officers in identifying suspects, recovering stolen vehicles, and preventing further victimization within our community.
The Department will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology and remain transparent with the public regarding how it is used and the safeguards in place to protect privacy.