Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Copperton council approves use of budgeted funds for license-plate reader cameras after brief privacy questions
Summary
The Copperton Town Council on Oct. 15 approved release of already-budgeted funds so the Unified Police Department may deploy license-plate reader cameras. Council members asked about signage and data use and agreed to review the devices after a trial period.
Copperton Town Council voted Oct. 15 to authorize the Unified Police Department to deploy license-plate reader (LPR) cameras using funds already allotted in the town budget.
The council’s action followed a short discussion about how the cameras are used and whether the public would be notified. Lieutenant Bennett and UPD representatives told the council the money is already in the budget and that all the department needs is vocal approval recorded in the minutes. Councilmember Kevin moved to release the funds; a second was made and the motion passed by voice vote.
Supporters said the LPRs would be a tool for identifying vehicles involved in burglaries, abandoned cars or other incidents. As one council member put it, “It doesn’t take a picture of the person,” emphasizing the system records plate images rather than facial images. Another council member suggested running the system for a year and reporting back with data on usage and effectiveness.
Opponents and some members asked whether signage would inform the public of surveillance. A council member asked, “Does it come with a notification sign?” and was told by staff there is not an automatic signage package included. Council members discussed that question but voted to proceed, asking staff and UPD to return with usage data after the trial period.
The council recorded the approval as unanimous. Staff said they would communicate the decision to UPD and proceed with the agreed evaluation timeline.
