San Diego, Calif., is touting the success of its recent roll out of smart streetlight and automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology in helping police get a better handle on crime.
The city said the technology is “fulfilling its intended purpose – helping the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) solve crimes and keep San Diegans safe.”
Since being rolled out last year, the technology has already contributed to 229 criminal cases in 2024, resulting in 166 arrests. The city highlighted one specific case of a recent two-time attempted kidnapping suspect, where ALPR technology helped officers locate the suspect’s vehicle, leading to his arrest.
“The results speak for themselves,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Smart Streetlights and ALPR technology have proven to be essential tools for our police officers, helping to quickly identify suspects and solve crimes. My number one responsibility as mayor is to keep San Diegans safe – these tools are helping us do that.”
The Smart Streetlight system was also instrumental in solving a string of armed robberies and aiding in the safe return of a missing elderly man.
“In less than a year since being installed, the Smart Streetlights and ALPR readers have already proven their effectiveness,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “This technology is critical to our ability to investigate crimes throughout our city. SDPD remains committed to using tools like these responsibly to hold criminals accountable and provide the highest level of public safety to our residents.”
Smart Streetlight cameras paired with the ALPR technology are being installed in 500 locations citywide. The city did note that during the installation process at some sites, SDPD discovered issues with existing infrastructure at more than 40 locations, including poles with insufficient voltage or power, buildings, signs, or trees blocking the camera view, or poles having been removed at designated locations.
In response to ongoing infrastructure issues, SPSD said it plans to request approval from the city council for greater flexibility in placing the smart streetlights, specifically when structural issues or natural barriers impact the effectiveness of the cameras. All installed locations are added to a searchable map of locations on SDPD’s technology website.
The technology was reintroduced last year after the city developed new privacy measures under the Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology (TRUST) Ordinance. The ordinance ensures transparency around the placement of equipment and how data acquired may be accessed, used, and stored.
“Our neighborhoods should be safe for everyone to live, work, and play,” said Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. “Technology like Smart Streetlights has shown to play a critical role in protecting our communities, helping police do their work more efficiently, while also protecting the privacy rights of our residents.”
