Meridian Police Chief Addresses Privacy Concerns Over License Plate Readers
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea has publicly defended the city's use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) amidst growing privacy concerns in the Treasure Valley. In a guest post on the City of Meridian's website, Chief Basterrechea outlined the department's protocols for storing and accessing ALPR data, emphasizing safeguards against misuse. Meridian utilizes Axon ALPR cameras, which are designed to log license plates only when a vehicle enters the camera's field of view, rather than continuously tracking individuals. The data collected is controlled by Meridian, retained for 30 days under department policy, and then automatically deleted unless it becomes evidence in a case. The chief also clarified that the federal government does not have access to Meridian's ALPR data, and any access by other law enforcement agencies would require a memorandum of understanding and City Council approval. Meridian recently reduced its data retention period from 60 to 30 days.