Privacy Groups Sue LAPD for Refusing to Disclose Spy Camera Details
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for refusing to disclose details on automated license plate recognition cameras (ALPR), also known as ANPR in Europe. The LAPD claimed that the requested documents contained official information and were part of an investigative file exempt from the public records law. The groups argue that this information is necessary for the public to make informed decisions on how ALPR systems are used.
Privacy Concerns Over Police Use of Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras
Privacy groups have expressed concerns about the use of high-speed tracking cameras to track the movements of motorists who are not suspected of any wrongdoing. Although police agencies claim that the cameras are used only to find stolen cars, the machines in Los Angeles have collected 160 million pieces of information on the public, including individuals not suspected of any crime. Privacy advocates argue that by collecting location-based information, such as license plate data, law enforcement can learn where people work and live, what doctor they go to, which religious services they attend, and who their friends are.
Electronic Frontier Foundation Attorney Highlights the Importance of Location-Based Data
EFF attorney Jennifer Lynch has stated that “location-based information like license plate data can be very revealing.” By matching a car to a particular time, date, and location, law enforcement can build a database of information over time that can reveal sensitive information. The public needs access to the data that the police have collected to be able to make informed decisions about how ALPR systems can and cannot be used.
California’s Constitution Supports the Right to Obtain Government Documents
The right to obtain government documents is enshrined in California’s constitution, which states that “the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny.” Although the LAPD and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department have not filed a formal response, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge will decide whether these agencies should be forced to hand over the information.