Massive California Law Enforcement Database Abuse Revealed

A report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) exposes widespread abuse of sensitive criminal justice databases by California law enforcement agencies. In 2023 alone, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD) accounted for a majority of the state's 7,275 reported violations of the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), with 6,789 abuses primarily involving unauthorized background checks for concealed carry permits. Other abuses included using data for personal vendettas and password sharing. From 2019-2023, 761 investigations revealed at least 7,635 violations across the state, leading to suspensions, resignations, and firings of officers. The report highlights the need for stronger oversight of law enforcement databases.