President Alar Karis announced changes to the Police and Border Guard Act. This law regulates the use of license plate recognition cameras in PPA's work.
PPA chief Roger Kumm said that PPA has conducted internal controls and is awaiting the legislative changes. The law provides clear rules on how to use the cameras.
PPA has received recommendations from the Data Protection Inspectorate. They have implemented these suggestions and are ready for the law to take effect.
President Karis emphasized that the law does not endorse previous methods of camera usage. PPA has adjusted its practices, for example, in threat assessment.
PPA has refined internal processes. If an officer wishes to check a number, they must record it in the database along with the criminal case number.
The law stipulates that data can be retained for 1.5 months. An annual data protection audit must be conducted.
For example, if cameras are installed at a major intersection due to car thefts, but thefts decrease, the cameras should be turned off.
Previously, the use of cameras was justified, but consistency was lacking. Cameras were not sufficiently monitored. The law now demands better control.
In addition to PPA, the Tax and Customs Board can also use the data from these cameras.