26-011 ALPR Data Searches

SFPD Members will have access to multiple ALPR platforms and databases through the MyApps portal on their desktop/laptop and via department installed applications on their department issued cellphones. These ALPR systems provide comprehensive license plate number information to assist in criminal investigations. This tool will help in searching, identifying, and locating the suspect vehicles.

SFPD Members must complete the required training before utilizing the databases and shall comply with SFPD’s Surveillance Technology Policy for ALPR technology. 

Members utilizing any ALPR database to search for “Personally Identifiable Information” (PII) during investigations shall adhere to the “Right to Know” and “Need to Know” policy concerning all Information System Databases used by the Department. All use of these databases shall be for law enforcement purposes only. Members shall not furnish information queried from the database to another person not authorized to view it. All queries should be completed by entering the incident number, CAD number, or a reason for searching in the databases. The subject of the search should be directly referenced in one of the following:

1. CAD Entry
2. Incident Report
3. Reason for the search (this may be a requirement in the database)

ALPR platforms accessed by the San Francisco Police Department are disabled from sharing their information with any Federal or out-of-state agencies. Members shall not run queries at the request of federal or out-of-state agencies. Members are not to share information obtained from ALPR databases with Federal or out-of-state agencies. This includes any members serving on any taskforce with a Federal or out-of-state agency. In the event Federal law enforcement is assisting on a SFPD case, SFPD members may indicate they have a lead without sharing information from the ALPR database. SFPD members may have Federal law enforcement accompany them in an investigation when such lead initially came from an ALPR search.

Members shall not make any inquiries for the purposes of immigration status or enforcement or, for any purpose associated with reproductive rights. 

Members are ultimately responsible for providing an explanation of the query that falls within the above parameters.

The Department will conduct periodic audits of the PII obtained from ALPR networks and internal databases and members may be required to submit the above-referenced materials to validate their searches. Members not adhering to the preceding guidelines may have their access suspended and be required to prepare a memorandum explaining their action. Non-sworn members requiring access to ALPR platforms and databases shall submit a memo stating the reason for access through their chain of command. The member may contact the Strategic Investigation Unit (SIU-RTIC) at [Redacted] and supply a copy of the approved memo to obtain access to the ALPR databases.

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police