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The UC Merced Police Department is sharing data with several federal and out-of-state agencies, including the Border Patrol, according to records released to the Merced Sun-Star and published by The Fresno Bee.
Nine federal agencies and 187 non-California entities in 38 states have access to the UC Merced Police Department’s license plate reader data, despite a California law prohibiting information sharing outside the state.
Even though license plate reader technology helps law enforcement in its investigations, data sharing is limited to California public agencies under the state law.
Four cameras are located at the university’s main entrance, where more than 9,000 students enter, and one is in a campus parking lot — making it unlikely for anyone driving on campus to avoid the cameras, The Bee reported.
It’s concerning for undocumented students at the university, especially with graduation approaching, which will bring thousands of families to campus, said Mike Katz-Lacabe, director of research at Oakland Privacy.
“The fact that a Police Department is currently in violation of California state law is very disturbing,” Katz-Lacabe said. “And in a way, that in particular puts their student population at risk.”
According to The Bee, the university sent a statement in response to questions from the Merced Sun-Star: “The use of this technology is intended to be in compliance with California state law on how information is collected, stored, shared, and used,” it reads. “We are currently conducting a review of the technology, the associated policies, and prior usage to ensure our practices continue to meet legal requirements and community expectations.”
UC Merced is a Hispanic-serving institution with a 58.2% Hispanic student population, and has expressed a commitment to welcoming and supporting undocumented students.
The campus is also trying to attract students after years of slow growth.
