Author: Andrew Capasso
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A special committee at the University of Arizona is preparing to meet and discuss the use of license plate reader cameras on campus. The focus is on balancing privacy with safety.
There are dozens of the cameras on campus. Questions have been raised about where the data collected is going and how policies are being followed.
Michael Dolece, a doctoral student, shared his perspective as someone who drives by these cameras every day. “It always feels like you’re being watched,” Dolece said.
Dolece emphasized the importance of discussing privacy versus safety. “I think there should definitely be a strong balance,” he said.
Dr. Leila Hudson is leading the committee’s efforts to understand more about the use of these cameras. “It raises a whole bunch of questions about how the data is collected, used, kept safe, with whom it might be shared,” Hudson said.
Hudson acknowledged the need for cameras for safety and investigations. “There are clear public safety reasons why you would want a well-regulated, well-controlled surveillance apparatus,” she said.
She added that examining where the data goes is essential. “These are matters of civic concern and the first step is using our university resources to better understand the contours of the issue,” Hudson said.
The University of Arizona has had a policy in place since October 2. It specifies that the systems cannot be used for general surveillance unrelated to public safety. Data from the cameras will be audited regularly, and sharing requires prior written approval from a UAPD commander.
Dolece finds comfort in the policy. “That’s definitely, I feel, a better step,” he said.
Hudson believes the university community should have a voice in future decisions. “Get a survey of what the technologies are, what are the emerging conditions of their use, and then as a community negotiate what the boundaries are,” Hudson said.
The University of Arizona released a statement highlighting that their police department’s website provides detailed information about the use of automated license plate readers. The site includes the department’s policy and a frequently asked questions resource.
The committee plans to meet later in the spring, with hopes of developing a forward plan soon after, Hudson said.
For a look at the University of Arizona’s policy, click here.
For the U of A’s frequently asked questions, click here.
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