SDPD Accused of Misusing ALPR Data to Track a DV Victim

A new report from NBC 7 San Diego alleges that the San Diego Police Department used automated license plate reader technology to track the movements of a fellow officer and a domestic violence victim. The specifics of the allegation are still emerging, but the core concern is one DeFlock has flagged for years: ALPR systems built to catch stolen cars and wanted suspects can just as easily be turned on the people they are supposed to protect.

How ALPRs Are Supposed to Work

Automated license plate readers are cameras, often mounted on poles, patrol cars, or fixed infrastructure, that photograph every passing plate and log the time, date, and GPS location. That data gets checked against hot lists of stolen vehicles or plates tied to active investigations. In theory, officers only query the system for legitimate law enforcement reasons tied to a specific case.

Why Insider Misuse Is the Real Risk

Vendors like Flock Safety market these networks as tools for solving crimes, but the databases they build are enormous and searchable by anyone with login credentials. That includes officers who might be tempted to look up an ex-partner, a coworker, or, as this allegation suggests, someone involved in a domestic dispute. Unlike a warrant-based search, a plate lookup often leaves a thin audit trail, and unless an agency actively reviews who searched what and why, misuse can go unnoticed for a long time.

What Accountability Should Look Like

Strong ALPR policies require a documented reason for every search, regular audits of query logs, and real consequences when officers use the system for personal reasons rather than active investigations. Many departments claim to have these safeguards on paper, but without independent oversight or public reporting, residents have no way to confirm whether the rules are actually enforced.

What You Can Do

If you live in a community with ALPR cameras, ask your local police department how often they audit search logs and whether misuse has ever been found and punished. You can see where these cameras are deployed near you on our interactive map, learn more about how the technology works on our learn page, and find concrete steps for pushing your city council toward real oversight on our take action page.

This story is still developing, and DeFlock will continue tracking it as more details come out from SDPD and NBC 7 San Diego.

Source: NBC 7 San Diego