Opposing Automated License Plate Readers Data Misuse and Prioritizing Community Investments over Surveillance Expansion

Resolution of the California Democratic Party

Many thanks to club members Michelle Krug and John Loughlin, who authored and presented this resolution to the California Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) delegates representing Assembly Districts 77, 78, 79 and 80 at their regional meeting on July 20, 2025.

Delegates heard how the San Diego City Council is considering spending millions of dollars to increase surveillance of citizens with the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR). They learnt how this information has been shared by the San Diego Police Department with ICE and other agencies of the Trump administration. They asked questions on how these systems log time and location data that is then used to build detailed pictures of your every movement.

They did not want our tax dollars going to increased surveillance, they prefer to invest that money in parks, libraries and our youth.

The delegates then voted unanimously (with one abstention — Nicole Crosby) to send their resolution to the California Democratic Party’s (CADEM) Resolution Committee for consideration at their Executive Board Meeting that just took place in August.

The Resolutions Committee further strengthened the wording and California Democratic Party adopted the resolution:

Opposing Automated License Plate Readers Data Misuse and Prioritizing Community Investments over Surveillance Expansion.

WHEREAS, Automated License Plate Reader systems present significant privacy and civil rights concerns, with data potentially accessible to federal immigration agencies, putting immigrant and marginalized communities at risk; and

WHEREAS, the continued investment in Automated License Plate Readers diverts

critical resources away from essential community programs such as parks, libraries, and safety net services that foster healthy, thriving neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, local leaders, organizations, and community members have expressed

overwhelming opposition to Automated License Plate Reader funding, citing its potential misuse, lack of regulation, and threats to democratic freedoms and community trust.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the California Democratic Party opposes sharing Automated License Plate Reader data with ICE and other Federal agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the California Democratic Party supports prioritizing investments in community-based programs, such as extended library hours, public park maintenance, recreational opportunities, hygiene infrastructure, and emergency response services, over the expansion of surveillance technologies like Automated License Plate Readers.