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26-0519
City Resolution
Active
3 appearances

Subject: OPD GPS Tracker Policy From: Oakland Police Department Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Approving The Oakland Police Department Vehicle GPS Tracker Surveillance Use Policy (Departmental General Order I-33) And Surveillance Impact Report

City: Oakland, CA
First Seen: March 12, 2026
Latest Activity: March 24, 2026
planningpublic_safety

Summary

The Oakland City Council is considering a resolution to approve the Oakland Police Department's (OPD) Vehicle GPS Tracker Surveillance Use Policy (Departmental General Order I-33) and its accompanying Surveillance Impact Report. This policy formalizes the use of GPS tracking devices for criminal investigations, assisting in suspect apprehension, vehicle recovery, and gathering location data. The policy requires adherence to the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA) and establishes guidelines for legal authorization, data access, retention, and auditing. The Privacy Advisory Commission (PAC) reviewed and unanimously recommended approval of the policy and report on February 5, 2026. The City Council must determine that the benefits of this technology outweigh the costs and that it safeguards civil liberties. The estimated annual cost for GPS tracking services is approximately $12,000, with a one-time cost of $1095 for new or replacement devices.