How San Diego is Using Tech to Keep People Safe and Respect Privacy

San Diego has been making waves with its use of technology to keep people safe. The city has teamed up with local businesses and neighborhoods to use something called Flock License Plate Readers, or LPRs. These gadgets have been a game-changer, helping to solve 600 criminal cases, find missing kids, and recover stolen items worth $5. 8 million. Last year alone, these readers helped crack 11 homicide cases, with four of them being solved solely because of this tech. Crime rates are on the decline too. There are about 37 fewer violent crimes reported each month, and car thefts have dropped by 20%. These stats aren't just numbers; they represent real lives being protected and communities staying safe. But let's talk about the tech itself. These license plate readers snap pictures of cars and their plates in public. The data doesn't stick around forever; it's automatically deleted after 30 days. Every use of the data is logged, so there's a clear record of how it's being used. The goal here is to use technology in a way that's focused and accountable. Cynthia Adams, president of the Oakland NAACP, points out that these cameras are designed to target only vehicles linked to crimes. This takes away the need for subjective judgments that can lead to unfair stops, especially for Black and Brown residents. It's a clear example of how technology can support safer and fairer policing. Public safety is a team effort. To make it work, there need to be clear agreements about how the data is accessed and used. The city, county, or business that signs the contract should decide who can access the data, for what purpose, and for how long. In California, state law bars federal access to local license plate reader data. Other communities have set even stricter rules. These choices come with tradeoffs, but they should be made by the local community. The San Diego Police Department has been a leader in setting clear guidelines for using this technology. They've directly influenced the development of new compliance and privacy-focused tools. For example, federal agencies cannot access California license plate reader data through the Flock platform. There are also search filters in place to prevent certain types of searches, like those related to immigration enforcement and reproductive health care. Soon, every search will require a specific offense type, making the process more transparent and accountable. Technology keeps evolving, but the principles guiding its use should stay strong. The goal is to protect people, support first responders, and uphold constitutional rights. It's about making conscious tradeoffs together, not living in a world without them.