Supervisors approve SFPD policy for tracking devices and ALPR after privacy debate

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9–1 March 24 to adopt a police surveillance technology policy that governs electronic location tracking devices and automated license-plate-reading (ALPR) systems, endorsing department safeguards while several supervisors urged continued oversight and caution.

Supervisor Connie Chan asked the San Francisco Police Department to place written responses on the record and pressed the department about how the policy aligns with Fourth Amendment limits and a recent publicized incident involving misuse of ALPR data. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the city balances safety and privacy when we're deploying technology," Chan said, thanking the department for the letter and signaling support contingent on monitoring.

An SFPD representative told the board that a 2012 Supreme Court ruling treats GPS-like tracking as a search that generally requires a warrant, and that the department’s policy limits location-tracking device use to warrants or recognized warrant exceptions such as exigent circumstances. The representative described StarChase as a short-term tracking tool intended to reduce high-risk pursuits and said ALPR captures license plates in public view, which courts have treated differently from prolonged location tracking. He said the department maintains safeguards including restricted access, audit logs, data security, training and oversight through the Committee on Information Technology and the Surveillance Advisory Board, and that an internal affairs inquiry fully investigated an allegation involving an officer’s ALPR query.

Supervisor Sheryl Walton dissented, arguing the technology has already been misused and disproportionately affects people of color. "Safety cannot come at the expense of our fundamental rights," she said, urging a pause and stronger community input. Supervisor Aaron Wong urged support for the policy, saying it offers a safer way to reduce dangerous vehicle pursuits and recover stolen property when used with strict limits.

Clerk roll call recorded nine ayes and one no (Walton). With that count, "the ordinance has finally passed," the board president said. The policy’s adoption includes periodic reporting and oversight mechanisms; several supervisors said they expect continued scrutiny from COIT and the Surveillance Advisory Board to ensure the department adheres to the restrictions.

The board’s action finalizes a local policy governing surveillance tools already in departmental use and directs ongoing review; it does not create new criminal liability rules but sets administrative limits, training and audit requirements for agency staff handling the systems.