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<\/a><\/p>\nMorgan called license plate readers a \u201cforce multiplier,\u201d calling them a \u201ctruly foundational law enforcement tool.\u201d They help \u201chold real-world criminals accountable,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Further, policy prohibits SCPD from sharing information with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Morgan said data is deleted within 30 days after capturing it, saying police use the information to catch crooks, not spy on citizens.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SPONSORED<\/p>\n
\u201cThe system is designed for investigative purposes, not for monitoring residents,\u201d said Sgt. Brian Williams.<\/p>\n Morgan said SCPD conducts monthly audits to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n But several people pointed out the lack of oversight, saying the department\u2019s assurances that it was following the law are not enough.<\/p>\n \u201cI certainly see the utility of it,\u201d said Council Member Suds Jain. \u201cAre we giving up our privacy for this utility? How can we ensure privacy for people? I don\u2019t want to be in a police state.\u201d<\/p>\n Council Member Kevin Park said he worried that the data gathered from the readers would be used to train artificial intelligence.\u00a0<\/p>\n Members of the public were split on the topic. Some decried what they saw as a government overreach that invaded citizens\u2019 privacy. Others saw the need for the technology with strong safeguards, while others saw the benefits greatly outweighing the costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Public commentator Jay Ess said the police department is taking a \u201ctrust me, bro\u201d approach.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a democracy, you can never have too much transparency, and in this case, we have none,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Morgan told the council that the information gathered by the cameras is just basic information \u2014 plate number, time, date, make, model and color of the vehicle. It does not collect personal data like address, race, gender, height or weight.<\/p>\n Jill Brooks said the readers will help police solve crimes faster. She pointed to many other aspects of daily life where citizens divulge their data to private companies willingly \u2014 with less benefit than the crime-fighting power of license plate readers.<\/p>\n \u201cMy police department having a picture of the back of my car is the least of my concern,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Morgan said there are \u201cstructural safeguards\u201d to ensure the data gathered is only used for investigative purposes. The issue is one of \u201ctransparency and accountability,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tim McKenzie, with the Democratic Socialists of America, said it was a false equivalence to claim that the state having access to data and private industry having access to it are the same.<\/p>\n \u201cOur data is the product,\u201d he said. \u201cHaving strong policies does not mean they will be followed.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite pushback, others, like mayoral candidate David Kertes, supported the use of the cameras.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t break the law in the first place, and you don\u2019t have to worry about being tracked,\u201d Kertes said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The council unanimously approved noting and filing the report.<\/p>\n Consent Calendar Spending<\/p>\n The council approved the following spending via the consent calendar:<\/p>\n A three-year, $20.84 million purchase agreement with Anixter, Inc. for high-voltage circuit breakers for Silicon Valley Power (SVP).<\/p>\n A $1.05 million amendment to the agreement with Intertek USA, Inc. for non-destructive examination, consulting and engineering services for SVP.<\/p>\n A $1.14 million amendment to an agreement with KONE, Inc. for citywide elevator maintenance and repair.<\/p>\n A $1.54 million amendment to the agreement with Siemens Industries, Inc., for the EnergyIP Meter Data Management System, from 2009 to 2030.<\/p>\n A $310,000 amendment to an agreement with Z\u2019Onion Creative Group for marketing and communication services. The contract total is now $560,000.<\/p>\n An $82,500, one-year extension to a contract with Advanced Integrated Pest Management for pest control at Levi\u2019s Stadium.<\/p>\n A $40,000 extension to an agreement with Gachina Landscaping Management, Inc. for landscaping at Levi\u2019s Stadium. The total contract over four years is now $250,000.<\/p>\n A $1.6 million amendment to a contract with West Coast Turf for supply, delivery and installation of sod services at Levi\u2019s Stadium.<\/p>\n A $160,000 amendment to an agreement with Integrated Communication System for retroactive fire alarm testing, inspections, maintenance and related services at Levi\u2019s Stadium.<\/p>\n A $94,000 amendment to agreement with Everon for retroactive fire sprinkler testing, inspection, and maintenance services at Levi\u2019s Stadium.<\/p>\n The next regularly scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1500 Warburton Ave. in Santa Clara.<\/p>\n Members of the public can participate in the city council meetings on Zoom at\u00a0https:\/\/santaclaraca.zoom.us\/j\/99706759306<\/a>; Meeting ID: 997-0675-9306 or call 1 (669) 900-6833, via the City\u2019s eComment (available during the meeting) or by email to\u00a0PublicComment@santaclaraca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n Contact David Alexander at\u00a0d.todd.alexander@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Previous Santa Clara City Council Posts: SPONSORED<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/banner-v_21_page-0001.jpg\"\/)
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<\/a><\/p>\n
Stadium Budget Item Highlights Capital Needs<\/a>
Santa Clara has a Transparency Problem \u2014 Still<\/a>
Santa Clara Car Dealership\u2019s Alternate Trash Pickup Denied<\/a><\/p>\n
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