San Mateo County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
A Delicate Balance: Privacy Vs. Protection Issue | Summary | Methodology | Glossary | Background | Discussion |
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 5 findings
F1
Page 16
The County of Santa Clara passed an ordinance in 2016 requiring agencies to adopt policies related to any surveillance technology before such technology is acquired or activated. The ordinance also requires agencies to issue annual reports explaining how the technologies are used and what they discovered.
F2
Page 16
The County and cities in San Mateo County have not enacted any ordinances governing their acquisition and use of surveillance technology, or the accessibility, management, or retention of the information acquired.
F3
Page 16
The County and cities in San Mateo County do inform residents about the use of some surveillance tools (Automated License Plate Readers and Body Worn Cameras) at public forums and city council meetings: • City or Town Council meeting or staff reports posted on website: Atherton, Burlingame, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco • Public meeting or Town Halls: East Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Sheriff’s Office • The City of Menlo Park mentioned also having used social media for this purpose.
F4
Page 16
With the exception of Burlingame, which borrowed ALPR technology, the cities and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office have complied with the law requiring ALPR users to “conspicuously” post a link to the ALPR usage and privacy policy on their websites.
F5
Page 16
With the exception of the City of San Mateo, the generic ALPR policies posted by cities and the Sheriff’s Office do not provide specific information that helpful to residents.
Recommendations 3
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R1Page 16In addition to providing a conspicuous link to usage and privacy policies on operator websites (as required by law for ALPRs), all law enforcement agencies in the County should create an easily accessible and simply written information webpage by December 31, 2017, which lists the types of surveillance tools (such as ALPRs) and investigative tools (such as ShotSpotter and body worn cameras) utilized by the agency. At a minimum, such a webpage shall include these details about each tool: • What is the use and purpose of the technology, such as assisting in ongoing criminal investigations, locating missing children, or locating stolen vehicles • Who is authorized to collect or access the data collected • How the system is monitored to ensure that the data are secure • Who owns the surveillance technology • What measures were taken to ensure the accuracy of the data • How long the data will be retained
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R2Page 17All law enforcement agencies in the County shall increase the number and types of opportunities for community members to voice support for or opposition to any proposed addition of new surveillance technologies including, but not limited to: • Surveying residents to better understand their concerns about law enforcement’s use of surveillance tools and address those concerns in public meetings, Town Halls, Neighborhood Watch sessions and other local gatherings. • Using social media platforms such as Nextdoor© to keep residents engaged and informed about surveillance technologies and its uses in your community.
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R3Page 17Staff shall bring to the city or town council (in the case of a police department or police bureau) or the Board of Supervisors (in the case of the Sheriff’s Office) a policy or ordinance for consideration at a public meeting by December 31, 2017. Such ordinances or policies should require, at a minimum: • Plans to acquire new surveillance technology be announced at public meetings and other forums to ensure that the community is aware and engaged when new technology is under consideration. • Any “use policies” related to surveillance technology be readily available and easy to access on the city or County websites. • Oversight and accountability be supported by posting periodic reports on the effectiveness of the surveillance tools used in the community.
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Broadmoor Police Protection District
Special District
San Mateo County Sheriff
Elected County Office