Concerned about the police department using an automated license plate recognition system, Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz put in two orders asking the city solicitor prepare an ordinance or policy to govern the use of this system and asking that the police chief appear in the Committee on Public Health and Safety to report on the devices as used by the police department.
“The concern here is what’s happening with the data and that’s the concern I’ve had with cameras as well,” she said. “I believe people have a right to some expectation of privacy in public places.”
The system is being added to new police cars and is not being used yet but Gewirtz believes the discussion is important for people to understand how it works and for the police department to get some guidance on its use from the board.
Connolly echoed her concern about the information gathered and what would be done with the database of information gathered by these readers.
“I have heard it’s a very effective crime deterrent,” he said. “But we want to make sure that that’s what it’s used for and not for any subversive method.”
The item will be further discussed in committee.
Read more: Somerville aldermen concerned about license plate recognition system - Somerville, Massachusetts 02144 - Somerville Journal http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x1233668979/Somerville-aldermen-concerned-about-license-plate-recognition-system#ixzz2IX1dsw00
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