Last updated May 2026
Genentech utilizes automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to enhance the safety of its employees and assets.
An ALPR camera captures an image of a vehicle license plate. The image is processed so that the alphanumeric characters appearing on the license plate are converted into machine-readable text that may be searched electronically. In addition to the license plate image and associated plate number, ALPR cameras may capture the date, time, and location of the image, as well as a portion of the surrounding area visible at the time of capture.
Genentech uses ALPR systems to monitor and record license plates from vehicles entering and within its South San Francisco campus. This information is used to assist in crime prevention and investigation. Genentech shares ALPR data with law enforcement to identify vehicles associated with documented security, safety, or legal concerns.
Genentech treats all ALPR data as proprietary information in accordance with Genentech and Roche policies. In limited circumstances, individuals outside of Genentech, including the ALPR vendor, may be engaged for technical support purposes. Genentech does not sell data collected through ALPR cameras for monetary or other commercial purposes.
Genentech restricts access to the ALPR system and ALPR data to authorized personnel involved in security operations and investigations, as well as the legal department. Genentech maintains and updates this list of approved users as personnel are added or removed. Such individuals are trained on the scope of permitted use, applicable conditions and restrictions governing such use, and guidelines for sharing data with law enforcement.
The Investigations and Intelligence Manager is responsible for oversight of the ALPR technology and for ensuring that access to ALPR data remains appropriately limited. System logs are maintained on use of the system. Such logs are reviewed on a monthly basis to confirm that only authorized individuals are accessing the system and that the system is being used solely for its intended purposes.
In most circumstances, license plate data is automatically deleted after 30 days if the associated vehicle is not connected to suspected illegal activity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if license plate data is relevant to an ongoing investigation or case, such data may be retained for so long as the investigation or case remains active or as otherwise required.