The Office of the Sheriff entered into a software site license and support agreement on May 14, 2013 for the purchase subscription and support of car mounted license plate readers. Beginning in September, 2015, members of the Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (P2b), the Diablo Community Services District Board and the Roundhill District Advisory Board (P5) each requested the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff research the viability of increased services. The areas are currently patrolled by the Office of the Sheriff and have increased services for which they pay from their special assessment funds. The board members voiced concerns of increased crime rates in the central Contra Costa County corridor. The concerns were bolstered by several articles posted in local news media, referring to a dramatic increase in residential burglaries, specifically in the Danville and San Ramon areas. A review of actual crime statistics in the greater Alamo area did not show a significant increase in reported crimes over the last several years. However, there was an increase in property crime and residential burglaries specifically in the Contra Costa County central 680 corridor. Based on reviews of the options available, the potential benefits, current policy and impact to the Sheriff's Office personnel involved, the district board members agreed the implementation of 21 stationary automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras would best benefit the greater Alamo area to help prevent crime and increase the solvability of cases. Vigilant Solutions stationary ALPR camera systems provide both the preventative and investigative value needed in the Alamo area. The cameras are the same type as utilized in the vehicular mobile application already employed in the Sheriff's Patrol environment. The contract amendment provides for the purchase and subscription of 21 stationary ALPRs.
ALPR cameras will not have the proper licensing and support agreements in place.