Santee is moving toward a one-year test of automated license plate readers, with city staff directed to prepare an agreement with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office for a future council vote, according to Hoodline and reporting it cited from The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The proposal under discussion calls for six fixed cameras at a cost of about $18,000 for the year, plus installation fees. The sheriff's office would operate the system through Flock Safety, and the cameras would capture license plates along with time, date and location data.

Supporters said the readers can help investigators find stolen vehicles and generate leads faster. Privacy concerns remain part of the debate, especially as California cities face closer scrutiny over how license plate data is stored, audited and shared.

For Santee residents, the key question is not just whether the cameras are installed, but what rules govern them. Staff are expected to return with a draft contract, proposed camera locations and a community outreach plan before the city makes a final decision.

Source: Hoodline reported the council direction and cited The San Diego Union-Tribune, the city process and related state privacy concerns.