San Clemente Adopts ALPR Privacy Policy, Limits Data Retention to Baseline Two Years

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 26‑108, which establishes an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) usage and privacy policy for equipment and systems the city uses or leases.

Key provisions include training and authorization requirements for users, annual audits and compliance reviews, breach notification obligations, public transparency through published policies, and a baseline data retention limit of two years unless longer retention is legally required. Staff explained the two‑year baseline reflects the city's records retention obligations and can be shortened where appropriate.

A public commenter in support of the policy said the safeguards will build public trust and urged similar protections for other surveillance proposals. City staff emphasized the policy is intended to prevent improper use, require logging of access and to ensure security controls are in place.

Council adopted the policy on a unanimous voice vote; staff said the policy takes effect immediately and will apply to any city‑accessed ALPR systems going forward. Councilmembers noted the system's value for locating stolen vehicles and assisting law enforcement while stressing accountability and regular review.

Next steps: policy posted on the city's website; staff to implement training and annual audits; any future surveillance proposals (including federal leases of city property) should be reviewed to align with the same safeguards.