Description
La Mesa is the latest city to approve the implementation of automated license plate readers after a 4-1 vote at a city council meeting Tuesday.
Other cities in San Diego County such as Chula Vista, National City, El Cajon — and the city of San Diego itself — have approved similar agreements in recent months despite contention among community members. While law enforcement and supporters of the technology advocate for its crime-solving components, others say it's an invasion of privacy.
"No one is talking about the privacy impact," one resident said at Tuesday council meeting.
Flock Safety's latest contract with La Mesa will place 20 automated license plate readers throughout the city in high traffic areas. The two-year contract will cost taxpayers roughly $124,000. Here's how it works: Flock Safety sends alerts to law enforcement whenever one of the company's cameras detect a stolen or wanted vehicle from a local, state or national database.
This batch of cameras will be an addition to the license plate readers currently mounted on La Mesa police vehicles.
FULL STORY: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/la-mesa-approves-controversial-license-plate-reader/509-fa1ab9ef-082a-409d-a2a9-23a845151ecd