SF and Oakland police illegally shared license plate data with federal agencies: report

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco and Oakland police appear to have broken state law over the past year by sharing data from automated license plate cameras with federal law enforcement, according to our partners at the SF Standard.

The illegal data sharing started after Oakland's cameras went live in August 2024.

State law prohibits sharing of private information collected on license plate readers with agencies outside of California.

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But logs show both Oakland and San Francisco have shared data with federal agencies including the FBI.

The Standard originally reported that OPD gave ICE license plate data in one instance. The department confirmed with ABC7 News that no information was given to ICE.

Oakland Police Department sent the following response:

"An article released today by the San Francisco Standard initially stated, "Oakland cops gave ICE license plate data." It went on to say, "Oakland Police fulfilled a request related to an ICE investigation on one occasion." Both versions are misleading and do not accurately reflect the Oakland Police Department's data-sharing agreement with other California and local law enforcement agencies.

To be clear, no member of the Oakland Police Department was involved in this alleged sharing of ALPR information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Oakland began using its current Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system in July 2024. ALPR cameras capture and read license plate information to aid in the investigative process. This system has become a valuable tool in helping our officers solve crimes more efficiently, locate homicide and robbery suspects, and recover firearms. By providing timely and accurate information, ALPR technology helps our officers respond quickly to public safety threats.

Consistent with SB 34, OPD shares ALPR data with more than 80 California local and state law enforcement agencies. All of these agencies, including OPD, are subject to the California Values Act, which prohibits agencies from using resources for immigration enforcement purposes.

In compliance with city policy, OPD does not enforce or assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in enforcing civil immigration law violations.

Additionally, ALPR data captured within the City of Oakland shall not be used in violation of Oakland's Sanctuary City Ordinance.

In OPD's data sharing request form, we require all agencies using our system to "be in compliance" with state law.

As it relates to the sharing of data with any federal agency, OPD is verifying that any access conducted by its members related to APLR data remains consistent with state law, including SB 34 (California Civil Code section 1798.90.5 et seq.) and the California Values Act (Gov Code section 7284 et seq.).

We (OPD) are very conscientious and sensitive to the use of emerging technology while continuing to explore solutions to support public safety, protect people's right to privacy, and build community trust.

We are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of our community. We value our relationship with our media partners and want to ensure and encourage that the information they provide is accurate."