San José tightens license plate reader controls after officer misuse

San José plans tighter controls on automated license plate reader data after a police officer used a personal phone while off duty to locate a domestic-violence victim and share the location with the alleged abuser. Police will prohibit access from personal devices, increase user-level audits, evaluate multifactor authentication and automated monitoring, and report unauthorized access or leaks. Staff recommend internal controls now, while an independent Police Auditor role and a local private right of action need further legal, labor and budget review. Council action is approved as committee direction.

Automated License Plate Readers.

Oct 28, 2026ROGC 26-370: Automated License Plate Readers.Source documentPDF 1PDF 2PDF 3PDF 4PDF 5PDF 6