Cotati approves 30‑day automated license‑plate‑reader retention, opens sharing to local agencies

The Cotati City Council on May 27 approved police department recommendations to reduce automated license plate reader (ALPR) data retention to 30 days and to authorize data‑sharing subscriptions so Cotati can access and receive alerts from other ALPR systems in the region.

Police Chief Simmons told the council the department previously retained ALPR data for six months and believes a 30‑day retention period will still support the majority of investigations while addressing privacy concerns and lowering long‑term storage costs. The chief said access to ALPR data from neighboring agencies and businesses gives investigators critical, time‑sensitive leads; currently the city does not have subscription access and must rely on ad hoc requests.

Simmons recommended enabling peer‑to‑peer data sharing and beginning with a subscription that would include two fixed ALPR units at chosen city access points. He told council that many neighboring jurisdictions and private sites (for example large retailers and freeway cameras) already operate ALPR systems, and interoperability would improve the city’s ability to investigate vehicle‑related crime.

Council members asked how fixed cameras would be sited and whether a single camera can observe both inbound and outbound traffic (answer: fixed ALPR units are oriented in one direction; two cameras are used to cover both directions). Vice Mayor Lemus and others asked for assurances about auditing and access control; the chief said access is auditable and California law restricts interjurisdictional sharing outside the state.

Councilmember Harvey and others requested a one‑year review to confirm the policy and retention period meets operational needs; staff agreed to return if operational experience suggests changes are needed. The council adopted the motion to approve staff recommendations on data retention and sharing unanimously.