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Automated License Plate Reader (ALRP) Information

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The Costa Mesa Police Department is continually researching and evaluating technology in an effort to protect our community. In June of 2022, the Police Department secured funding and finalized an agreement to establish an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program.  This program consists of fixed and mobile cameras that are strategically installed throughout the city.  These cameras serve two functions.  They immediately alert our department when vehicles listed on statewide criminal databases are detected and allow our police personnel to locate and apprehend these wanted criminals (such as a stolen vehicle, child abduction, and other wanted dangerous criminals).  Secondly, they can be used as an investigative tool to search for vehicles involved in criminal activity after the fact (for example: a vehicle fleeing the scene of a hit and run traffic collision, a kidnapping suspect vehicle or a wanted criminal fleeing the scene of a crime). 

The Costa Mesa Police Department respects the privacy of all.  The ALPR systems we utilize only detect license plates and vehicles.  They do not photograph or record the occupants of vehicles and do not utilize facial recognition technology.

Per our policies, our ALPR system can only be used for a legitimate law enforcement purposes and will never be utilized for immigration enforcement or purposes not specific to enforcement of California laws. 

Please visit our transparency portal to learn more about our policies and usage data.

alpr

Camera locations:

  • Harbor Blvd. at Gisler Ave.
  • Bristol St. at Hotel Way
  • Adams Ave. at Albatross Dr.
  • Victoria St. at Santa Ana River Bridge
  • W. 19th Street at Harbor Blvd.
  • E. 17th Street at Orange Ave.
  • Newport Blvd. at 19th Street
  • Newport Blvd. at Fairview Rd.
  • Newport Blvd. at Mesa Drive
  • Gisler Ave. at Cinnamon Ave.
  • James St. at Pomona Ave.
  • Newport Blvd. at Paularino Ave.
  • Newport Blvd. at Industrial Way
  • Fairview Rd. at Paularino Ave.
  • Newport Blvd. at Del Mar Ave.
  • Newport Blvd. at 22nd St.
  • Harbor Blvd. at Fair Dr.
  • Harbor Blvd. at Bernard St.
  • Newport Blvd. at Broadway
  • Fairview at Belfast Ave.
  • Harbor Blvd. at Hamilton St.