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Resident urges rules on automated license‑plate readers and continuous surveillance
Summary
An emailed comment from resident Brian Stone asked commissioners to consider limiting continuous ALPR networks, prohibit facial recognition/AI analysis without warrants, and require public camera maps, audit logs and independent review; commissioners asked staff to research current camera systems and return with details.
An emailed public comment read during public participation urged the Harbor Commission to place automated license‑plate readers and harbor surveillance systems on a future agenda and consider new local rules to protect privacy.
"These cameras continuously scan every vehicle that passes," the commenter (identified in the e‑submission as Brian Stone) wrote, noting that similar systems in other Southern California cities have produced disputes about data ownership and unauthorized access. Stone asked the commission to "phase out continuous fixed ALPR networks that scan the general public without suspicion, prohibit facial recognition and AI analysis of people's movement patterns unless a person is already identified as a person of interest in a specific investigation," and to require judicial warrants as the default for remaining use.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and directed staff to research what camera systems operate in the harbor and to return with clarifying information. Sergeant Scott Martin said the department uses cameras to "clear calls" and that certain cameras are publicly accessible; he also said policy limits drone deployment to 911 calls or significant events. Martin said he would gather details and promised to provide written answers at a future meeting.
The commission made a staff referral and a motion to request a report on camera types, locations and policies; the motion carried by voice vote.
