Vista is the last city among the group of communities patrolled by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to consider using license plate readers.

The devices have helped criminal cases in other communities, but the Vista City Council tabled a vote on the program last Tuesday.

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) have proven effective in solving several crimes, including robbery, car theft and even homicide in communities that have them. Who controls the data and where it goes though are questions that may have stalled the program in Vista.

“This is a place for people to be and enjoy their time, not being surveilled,” resident Daniel Dumouchel said.

Dumouchel sees the practical use of readers in high-traffic intersections but not in community gathering places.

“I would be weary

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