They’re called automated license plate readers. Critics of the technology cite high-profile examples of California police using license plate data inappropriately, including to stalk or harass innocent people. That provision is in response to Flock Safety, a prominent license plate reader company that allowed federal authorities to search local license plate data as part of a pilot program, said Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy, one of the bill’s supporters. The Berkeley Police Department noted similar successes after 52 Flock cameras were installed last year. The department noted its rate for solving robbery cases climbed from 34% in 2024 to 49% the following year, thanks in part to the license plate data.