License plate reader in Alameda leads to arrest of suspect possibly posing as federal agent

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) — Alameda police are investigating whether someone has been impersonating a federal agent in the Bay Area.

Fake IDs and fake badges, including the Department of Homeland Security, were recovered when a driver was pulled over and arrested for driving a stolen vehicle in Alameda.

“Our officers became alerted that a stolen vehicle had come into our city. Our alert patrol officers started to patrol the area. And eventually found the stolen vehicle,” says Police Chief Nishant Joshi with the Alameda Police Department.

Chief Joshi says his officers also recovered a firearm, drug paraphernalia and additional evidence suggesting the driver may have been impersonating a federal agent. When asked if the suspect acted as a federal agent, Joshi responded: “We are looking into that. So, the case is still being followed up on.”

This all happened Tuesday morning near the Marina Village Shopping Center. Chief Joshi says the use of license plate reader technology played a key role in this case.

“All of our entry and exit points to the City of Alameda have license readers, fixed license plate readers. In addition to the fixed license plate readers, we have them installed in every still one of our patrol cars,” explains Joshi, adding that the technology doesn’t capture the drivers personal information – just the vehicle plates.

“I want to be clear. Technology doesn’t replace humans. Humans actually solve crime. But anytime we can use technology to make ourselves much more efficient and effective, we are moving in the right direction,” says Chief Joshi.

MORE: Bay Area woman scammed out of $63K by federal agent imposter. Here’s how 7 On Your Side helped

Alameda resident CJ Kingsley supports the use of technology, but also has concerns over civil rights and privacy.

“Like big brother. Of knowing who is where, when and how. So, it cuts both ways,” says Kingsley. “I would hope that oversight, civilian oversight of the police, of which I have always been in favor, would oversee their allocation of assets.”

Chief Joshi says they conducts audits to make sure the department in compliance. And insists that they don’t share their data.

“When you have a strong policy and you have regular audits, we are looking to make sure that doesn’t occur here in Alameda. And I will make sure that people are held accountable in my department for anyone who uses our technology improperly,” explains Joshi.

Any agency that needs the data needs to make a formal request.