Public Trust requires Public Oversight

I am in support of adopting the City's Automated License Plate Reader

(ALPR) Usage and Privacy Policy.

This policy establishes clear regulations governing the use of ALPR

technology and helps build public trust through accountability,

transparency, and oversight.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department uses Flock Safety ALPR cameras as

a regional crime-fighting tool. These systems are prohibited from being

used for traffic enforcement and do not utilize facial recognition

technology. Their purpose is to assist law enforcement in locating

stolen vehicles, identifying suspects, and solving crimes.

The Flock camera program was reviewed through the Public Safety

Committee process and later approved by the City Council as part of the

City's public safety platform. The use of this technology is governed by

California law and OCSD policy, with users required to document the

purpose of each access to ALPR data.

Tonight's policy includes important safeguards:

• Alignment with OCSD policy and California law

• Designation of the City Manager as ALPR Program Manager

• Restrictions on unauthorized use of data

• Data retention limits

• Breach notification requirements

• Required user training

• Annual audits and compliance reviews

• Public transparency measures

These protections help ensure that investigative technology is used

responsibly while maintaining public confidence.

As I conclude, I respectfully ask that these same principles of

transparency, oversight, and accountability be applied to the proposed

Homeland Security surveillance camera project before installation occurs

in San Clemente.

The surveillance camera proposal deserves the same level of public

review and policy safeguards we are discussing tonight. Residents should

have confidence that any technology monitoring our community will

operate under clear policies, legal protections, public transparency,

and appropriate oversight.

Public Comments at City Council meeting 6/2/2026

Donna Vidrine