26-112 Evidence Collected From the Use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)

The San Francisco Police Department utilizes various technologies to assist in criminal investigations. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) are deployed throughout San Francisco and the entire state by law enforcement and private/commercial entities. The Police department, under established guidelines and agreements, shares and accesses ALPR data with fellow California State law enforcement partners and has access to several private groups and commercial businesses.

The data collected often becomes evidence in criminal investigations and proceedings.

Under California law, SFPD is prohibited from sharing ALPR information with federal or out-of-state public agencies.

This DN is to provide members with guidance when evidence from an ALPR is obtained and, under normal circumstances, would be relevant to a criminal investigation. In the event if any federal or out-of-state agency requests or procedurally ALPR evidence would be evidence in an investigation, the following steps shall be taken.

1. Present the case evidence in a manner you would in any other case except, ensure any ALPR data, information, and/or logs are not contained in any materials provided to the federal or out of state agency.
2. 2. Complete the attached new SFPD 632 Form INVESTIGATOR LETTER REGARDING ALPR INFORMATION WITHIN SFPD CASE FILE and provide it to the requesting agency along with the attached letter from SFPD Legal Division.

Any communications and further action regarding any ALPR evidence will be handled by the SFPD Legal Division. Members who are contacted by any federal agency or out of state agency regarding ALPR evidence shall direct them and all questions or concerns to SFPD Legal Division.

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police