Automatic License Plate Readers

Last week’s agenda was quite long, but the item that took up the most time and generated the most public input was ALPRs. Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of deploying them to reduce crime in Los Altos Hills. Like you, I’m concerned about the increase in burglaries and want to address this very serious problem, but is an ALPR system the best solution? Will they reduce the crime we experience in LAH?

We want to prevent crime so we need a deterrent. The primary purpose of a home security system is deterrence. Are home security systems are no longer a good deterrent? If so, how will ALPRs be more effective? ALPRs may have been successful in reducing crime in other communities but does their crime look like ours? Our crime profile is significantly different from most communities. Will ALPRs reduce home and car burglaries, and mailbox theft? How well does information from ALPRs help law enforcement track down burglars? We need to dig for examples of towns with a similar crime profile. The sheriff's department hasn’t used this information before so they will experience a learning curve. We need a frank discussion with the Santa Clara County Sheriff to see if they are prepared to use this new technology. Is there documentation of the best practices for utilizing ALPR data? How long will it take them to become proficient at using the data to solve crimes?

ALPRs do feel “big brotherish” and I’m not excited about another group tracking me, but this technology seems less intrusive than other ways we’re already being tracked (cell phone, Google, Facebook, etc.) I do worry about unrealistically high expectations. How will we judge if ALPRs are effective? It is highly unlikely crime will drop to zero, but we should set a goal for an acceptable improvement based on deployment. Even if we decide to deploy ALPRs quickly we should continue to look for solutions that are potentially more effective. At this point I would support deploying a ALPR pilot with reservations while also continuing the search for other solutions.

The other topic I want to highlight is the council did agree to create an ad-hoc committee focusing on fire safety, which I’ll be leading. I’ll share more details in my next missive.

I want to hear from you. Please reach out to lisa@schmidt.net. Encourage your neighbors to join my distribution list.