Boston, MA - Officials for the Boston PD say the department
has suspended its license scanning program after data inadvertently leaked to
independent investigators revealed such inconsistencies in its usage that
questions have been raised about the program’s ability to protect the privacy
of licensed drivers.
THE BOSTON GLOBE Reports that a quick scan of a driver’s plate by one of the program’s devices instantly
reveals lapsed parking tickets, expired insurance, and any other legal matter
the car’s owner may be involved in, as well as the GPS locations of any
previous scans.
A spokeswoman for the BPD, Cheryl Fiandaca, said, “We just
took [the scanner program] off-line while the commissioner reviews it.”
Fiandaca said Commissioner William Evans, “Wants to review
it so he knows that it’s being used effectively and that it doesn’t invade
anyone’s privacy.”
The data released shows some plates that have been scanned
literally dozens of times, including a reported stolen motorcycle that was
scanned 57 times in six months.
Most egregious, according to opponents of the program, is
the fact that in many instances there has been no internal follow-up by the BPD
in cases in which scans have returned violations.
Jonathan Hecht, a Watertown state rep who has filed a bill
aimed at regulating the program, said, “It’s not realistic to think that law
enforcement will police itself when it comes to technologies like these license
plate readers.”
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