Santee could soon join San Diego County’s growing network of automated license plate readers.
The City Council last week directed staff to draft an agreement with the Sheriff’s Office for six readers, a move that sheriff’s officials said would increase efficiency for law enforcement. The readers capture license plates of vehicles in their view, as well as time, date and location.
“Detectives have been able to reduce case closure rates and reduce investigative timelines,” Capt. Chris Katra said.
The move is part of a broader effort by the sheriff’s office to expand its countywide network of automated readers, which officials said includes 131 license plate readers across cities and unincorporated areas.
Notably, the contract would be operated through a contract with Flock, an automated license plate reader company that has drawn controversy in the region and beyond due to surveillance concerns.
Most recently, the California Attorney General’s Office sued El Cajon, alleging the city illegally shared data collected on Flock readers with law enforcement agencies in other states.
Automated license plate readers are a helpful tool for law enforcement, Katra contended, noting that two are already being used in Santee at Las Colinas Detention Facility.
“Private ALPR cameras are in the city already,” Katra said. “If you have an HOA or own a private house, you could contract with Flock and have it at your own home if you want to.”
Despite controversy surrounding the issue, city leaders largely agreed the tool would greatly assist law enforcement investigations and streamline public safety efforts.
Vice Mayor Ronn Hall said he met with Flock representatives years prior and has pushed for the readers’ expansion to Santee, adding that he “doesn’t think six is enough.”
On the other hand, Councilmember Rob McNelis said he supported bringing the automated license plate readers to Santee, but “not without personal consternation that we do this because of infringing on private rights.”
“I know the city of Santee has a limitation with the number of deputies we can physically afford on an annual basis and that number sometimes decreases,” McNelis said. “This isn’t my personal thing, this is what’s best for the city as a whole.”
Data is retained by the sheriff’s office for 30 days, unless an investigation is ongoing.
If approved, a year-long contract for six license plate readers would cost Santee $18,000, with a $150 installation fee per camera. The city would direct the funding to the sheriff’s office, which works directly with Flock.