ONE BIG THING: AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READERS IN LA
What Happened?
A few months ago amidst a wave of controversies over how automatic license plate readers are being used across the country, LAPD suspended its use of Flock cameras.
With usage of Flock cameras on hold, LAPD is looking to set up a new program for automatic license plate readers run by a different company, Axon.
This week, City Council voted 10-4 to pause that planned pilot program and take a closer look before moving forward.
How We Got Here
As we’ve covered before, it isn’t easy for City Council to change LAPD policy. Instead, LAPD policy is made by the Board of Police Commissioners, an unelected panel appointed by the Mayor.
When the Police Commissioners voted to approve the Axon license plate readers, LAPD said it planned to make changes to how they’re used, including limiting which officers can search the data, shortening how long that data is kept, and conducting more thorough audits.
Those are steps in the right direction. But there was a big catch: those safeguards aren’t official LAPD policy yet. Without clear, written privacy protections that the public can actually review, we pushed to have City Council step in.
Why it Matters
This technology is moving incredibly quickly. A couple years ago, most people hadn’t heard of automatic license plate readers and now we’ve seen it used across the country for immigration enforcement, to track down women travelling to seek abortions, and even to stalk ex-girlfriends. It’s become such a nationwide issue that both Democrats and Republicans have introduced legislation nationally to regulate this kind of surveillance.
We owe it to our communities to engage with this issue, ask the hard questions, and make sure that emerging technologies actually protect public safety and can’t be abused.
What’s Next
The Public Safety Committee will now take a closer look at this issue, likely at our next meeting on October 20.
From there, the full City Council will vote to either approve the pilot program to move forward, or vote to send it back to the Board of Police Commissioners for additional work.
Click here provide online public comment
Two More Quick Hits
El Niño is Underway – Prepare Now
Did you know that compost increases water absorption and holding capacity by up to 50% or more? If you have a lawn or garden, that can mean less erosion, less runoff, and more groundwater.
Beyond that, there are so many ways you can start preparing for potential impacts from El Niño, because we don’t know when they might come. The easiest and quickest you can do right now: sign up for emergency text alerts from NotifyLA at emergency.lacity.gov/notifyla.
CicLAvia - Heart of LA Caps Off a Week Without Driving
Bikes, buses, trains, and even a swan boat at Echo Park Lake — we tried just about everything during our Week Without Driving Challenge!, which you can find on our social media.
Now, we’re capping off the week at CicLAvia — Heart of LA, where 6.5 miles of streets will be open to people, not cars, stretching from Echo Park through Chinatown to Boyle Heights. Come out, enjoy the cooler weather, and explore LA from a different perspective!
Save the Date – Organizing & Civic Engagement
Tuesday, October 13th – Southern California Start Anew Clinic(FREE holistic resources and services for survivors of DV and Trafficking)
Wednesday, October 14th – Food Business Foundations Webinar(FREE webinar on how Food service licenses, permits, and compliance)
Save the Date – Community Events
Thursday, October 15th – Loteria at the Park(FREE community gardening hosted by LA Tenants Union)
Friday, October 16th - Musica Rebelde - El Salvador (FREE music, crafts, and food to amplify Central American Voices)
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Brenda, our pet of the week!
Did you know that Doberman Pinscher’s like Brenda are often used as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and other forms of service dogs because of their intelligence and calm demeanor? Just look at those legs! Built for running, jumping, and BIG HUGS.
In the midst of all the Chaos in the world, Brenda may be the peace you need! If you or someone you know may want to visit this cutie, she is located at North Central.
