Eugene Human Rights Commission urges city to stop using ALPR cameras, forwards statement to council
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Summary
The commission approved a statement urging the city manager and police department to refrain from using automated license-plate-reader (ALPR) technology, citing privacy and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations; members debated contractual constraints and whether to stop use or remove devices.
The Eugene Human Rights Commission voted to send a statement to city council urging the city manager and police department to refrain from using automated license-plate-reader (ALPR) technology.
Commissioner Bradley, reading a draft from the homelessness and poverty work group, said the cameras present significant privacy concerns and “could experience negative impacts on individuals who are working on immigration status, people experiencing homelessness, and those living in poverty.” The wording approved requests that the city “refrain from use of the technology” and asks the council to seek removal of existing cameras where feasible.
Members acknowledged legal and contractual limits. A work-group representative noted concern that a vendor contract may restrict full removal during the contract period but said discontinuing active use is within the city manager’s discretion. One commissioner recommended adjusting the statement to emphasize cessation of use if removal is not immediately possible; the commission adopted that amendment before approving the motion.
The action is advisory: the HRC’s statement will go to city council as a recommendation. The motion to approve the amended statement was made by an HRC member and passed by voice vote.
What’s next: Staff will include the HRC statement in materials forwarded to city council and make the commission’s recommendation available to the public in the commission packet.
