In a bid to enhance law enforcement capabilities, Modoc County has announced the deployment of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) across the region. The initiative, funded by Homeland Security, aims to enhance public safety through advanced surveillance technology.
The ALPRs, purchased from Flock Safety, will be strategically placed throughout Modoc County, totaling seven automated license plate readers. These high-speed, computer-controlled cameras automatically capture license plate numbers, along with location, date, and time data. Additionally, they can identify a vehicle’s make, model, color, and unique identifiers.
According to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, the ALPR system will be utilized for various law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates, missing persons, active warrants, homeland security threats, human trafficking, drug interdiction, and stolen property recovery.
Sheriff’s officials clarified that the cameras are not designed to monitor speeding, expired registrations, or mechanical violations, but rather to focus on legitimate law enforcement and public safety concerns.
“It’s a significant step forward in our efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of our community,” stated a representative from the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.
Importantly, strict policies and procedures governing the use of ALPR technology have been put in place, which were approved by the Modoc County Board of Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, an annual report detailing the system’s activities will be submitted to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors and made accessible to the public, fostering transparency and accountability.
“We want to reassure the public that their privacy rights are being respected and that the technology will only be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes,” affirmed officials.
Despite the potential benefits of ALPR technology, concerns regarding privacy and oversight persist. To address these, law enforcement agencies must maintain clear guidelines on data storage, access, and usage, and regularly review policies to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Overall, the implementation of ALPRs in Modoc County represents a concerted effort to leverage technology in the fight against crime, with a commitment to upholding privacy rights and fostering transparency in law enforcement operations.
