San Diego Plans ALPR Expansion Amid Privacy Concerns

San Diego County plans to expand the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras in unincorporated areas such as Alpine, Julian, and Valley Center, following successful implementation in cities like Encinitas and Poway. The San Diego Sheriff's Office asserts that ALPRs are effective in solving crimes like vehicle thefts and homicides, acting as a 'force multiplier' for law enforcement. Critics, however, raise privacy concerns, arguing that the technology can lead to mass surveillance and misuse. Similarly, in Nashville, the Harborview community considers installing ALPRs to enhance security after a recent shooting, with community support contingent on privacy safeguards. Residents are divided, with some seeing ALPRs as essential for crime prevention while others worry about potential privacy invasions. Both regions highlight the balance needed between technological advancement for safety and individual privacy rights.