CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 11 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-5112 File ID: 26-11632 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Police Department
MEETING DATE: October 05, 2026
SUBJECT:
Grand Jury Report: "Is Our Flock of ALPR Cameras Properly Tended?" — Response Letter RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a letter responding to the August 3, 2026, San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury report titled "Is Our Flock of ALPR Cameras Properly Tended?" and authorize the Mayor to send the response of behalf of the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
On August 3, 2026, the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury released a report entitled "Is Our Flock of ALPR Cameras Properly Tended?" (Attachment 2). The purpose of the report is to examine whether Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) operators in San Mateo County are in full compliance with applicable California law and whether their practices align with their adopted ALPR policies. The Grand Jury developed five findings and five recommendations applicable to the City of San Mateo. The response to each finding and recommendation requires City Council approval and is due to the Grand Jury no later than November 2, 2026.
The draft response letter is attached to this report as Attachment 1. In summary, staff agreed with the findings of the report. At the time of the Civil Grand Jury’s review, the San Mateo Police Department’s ALPR audits were not being completed consistently on a monthly basis. However, since the review, the Department has implemented a formal monthly audit process in accordance with California law, Lexipol Policy 463, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 205.
These audits provide documented oversight, reinforce accountability, and help verify that the Department’s ALPR system is being used appropriately and for authorized law enforcement purposes.
Furthermore, the recommendations detailed in the report have been implemented or will be implemented. Since submitting its Automated License Plate Reader records, policies, and procedures to the Civil Grand Jury on December 30, 2025, the Police Department has continued to evaluate and strengthen the ALPR program. Consistent with the Department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with California law, SMPD has enhanced its audit process, revised its Standard Operating Procedure, and updated departmental policy. These actions reflect the Police Department’s continuing efforts to ensure the lawful and responsible use, oversight, and management of ALPR technology.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no budget impact associated with this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This action is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)
CITY OF SAN MATEO
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This staff report supports the Public Safety initiative.
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Draft Response Letter
Exhibit A – Lexipol Policy 463
Exhibit B – Standard Operating Procedure 205
Att 2 – Grand Jury Report
STAFF CONTACT
Ed Barberini, Chief of Police
[email protected]
(650) 522-7600