EDITORIAL | “Last week, representatives from the Police Accountability Board of Berkeley and the Office of the Director of Police Accountability convened to discuss the Berkeley Police Department’s proposal to implement Automated License Plate Readers, or ALPRs, as a surveillance tool within the city.  Although the usage of 52 ALPRs was approved by Berkeley City Council in 2021, the plan was abandoned amid scrutiny from many residents. In particular, critics said the technology infringed on privacy rights and could become a slippery slope for approving additional surveillance tools in the future.  It is undoubtedly important to mention that the city of Berkeley has seen a rise in crime coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic’s throes. We wholeheartedly emphasize that it is of utmost priority to ensure that residents feel secure in their community; however, we as an editorial board would like to raise additional concerns surrounding ALPRs. First and foremost, ALPRs use both cameras and c...