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San Diego County police agencies access many private license plate readers with minimal oversight

By Carlos Castillo / Video Journalist,  Scott Rodd / Investigative Reporter,  Gustavo Solis / Investigative Border Reporter
Published November 20, 2025 at 5:12 PM PST
About a dozen law enforcement agencies in San Diego County use automated license plate readers. A KPBS investigation found those agencies are also searching license plate cameras owned by private businesses in the region. Reporter Scott Rodd found these devices function as an extension of law enforcement surveillance — with little oversight.