February 1st, 2023 – South San Francisco, CA 
Press Release
City of South San Francisco’s New Automated License Plate Recognition Program Already Proving to be a Success in the Fight Against Crime
Cameras installed at key public locations throughout the City
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., February 1, 2023 – In response to an increase in vehicle burglaries, stolen vehicles, catalytic converter thefts, and other property crimes, on November 14, 2022, the City launched a robust Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Program. A total of 28 solar-powered cameras were installed at key public locations throughout the city.
“The ALPR program is working. In just a few months, the Police Department has apprehended more than a dozen suspects for a variety of crimes, including possession of stolen vehicles, carjackings, catalytic converter thefts, possession of burglary tools, narcotics, stolen property, fraud, possession of a firearm, and miscellaneous arrest warrants,” said South San Francisco Police Chief Scott Campbell.
The cameras are built by Flock Safety, a public safety technology company that helps neighborhoods, communities, and law enforcement work together to fight crime. Flock Safety ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crime by providing objective evidence —license plates and vehicle characteristics.
To proactively prevent crime from occurring in South San Francisco, the cameras send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted suspect from a state, or national crime database enters the City of South San Francisco. They can also send alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or SILVER Alert is detected.
“The use of this technology has made it easier for our officers to be more strategic and safer in how they engage with suspects because of the real-time alerts,” added Chief Campbell.
South San Francisco Mayor Flor Nicolas is pleased with the program results thus far. “Our main objective is the safety of our community, and this program is helping our dedicated and committed police officers keep South San Francisco a safe City.”
The South San Francisco Police Department maintains an updated policy around the usage of the ALPR system. Each search requires a justification, and the data is never sold or shared with third parties.
About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and shipbuilding past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with over 250 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming, and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work and play.
For more information about the City of South San Francisco, visit www.ssf.net