Automatic License-Plate Readers: Community Forum Set Tonight

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – In response to increased gun violence along Soquel Drive near Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is holding a community meeting tonight to discuss its consideration of a temporary license-plate reader.

Sheriff's officials said the gun-related violence has been affecting the Soquel Drive corridor between state Highway 1 and 41st Avenue.

The sheriff's office is working to find the best ways to generate investigative leads and prevent future violence and is considering short-term deployment of an automated license plate reader.

The office does not own or plan on purchasing an ALPR. Instead, a unit would be on loan from the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center.

"The sheriff's office recognizes that the use of surveillance technology to protect the public must be balanced with the need to protect civil rights and liberties," sheriff's officials said in a statement.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the sheriff's office Community Room, located at 5200 Soquel Ave. Deputies will provide details about the proposal and respond to any questions or concerns from the public.

Anyone seeking more information can call Lisa Marr at (831) 454-7618.

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--Bay City News/Image via chanchai_saeheng/Shutterstock