Police suspend using Tri-City Flock cameras because of new WA law
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- Tri-Cities police temporarily suspends Flock cameras and plate readers.
- State law limits plate-reader data to three weeks unless held as evidence.
- Department will update policies, complete certification, and coordinate with state.
Multiple Tri-City law enforcement agencies will pause the use of automated license plate reading technology in order to come into compliance with a new state law.
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday signed new bipartisan guardrails into law that will restrict when police can use the technology and how long agencies can retain data.
Privacy concerns have risen nationwide about the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and its potential to create mass systems of surveillance.
The Richland Police Department announced Wednesday it was “temporarily suspending” its Flock Safety camera network and ALPR systems.
Richland will stop using the tech to ensure it’s within compliance of the new state law, to update its internal policies and to complete registration and certification requirements as outlined in the bill.
Pasco Lieutenant Thomas Groom said his department will also stop using Flock Safety and Axon ALPR systems “until the elements outlined by law have been met.” They’re already taking steps to come into compliance.
Kennewick Administrative Services Commander Jose Santoy said through a spokesperson that they also turned off their Flock Safety cameras on Monday for similar reasons.
Richland Chief Martin Pilcher says the technology has proven “to be a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement.”
“These systems help officers locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles associated with serious crimes, and assist in missing person investigations. At the same time, we recognize the importance of ensuring these tools are used responsibly and in accordance with state law,” he said in a statement.
His department touted the utility of Flock in a March 9 Facebook post, detailing how it helped lead to the arrest of a suspect tied to an Olympia shooting. Officers used the readers to track the vehicle by its license plate at prior locations, and located it in West Richland.
But the tech has also faced intense scrutiny, especially after Texas police reviewed plates scanned in Benton and Spokane counties in an attempt to find a woman they believed had used abortion medication in their state.
Prosser — the small Benton County city that had its cameras reviewed by Texas police — ultimately shut down 20 traffic cameras after concerns about privacy and public records rules.
The case was highlighted as pat of a University of Washington Center for Human Rights report about Flock camera systems. That report found that U.S. Border Patrol had received some access to local law enforcement’s databases, either through request or backdoor access.
Senate Bill 6002 limits police use of automated license plate readers. It took effect immediately after its signing.
At least 16 other states have passed laws implementing similar safeguards and data restrictions.
In Washington, police under most circumstances may now use the tech to help them when investigating felonies and gross misdemeanors, or when looking for individuals with arrest warrants or searching for missing people, according to the Washington State Standard.
Data must be deleted after three weeks unless it needs to be retained for evidence, and can only be shared during court proceedings. The law also restricts use of the technology for immigration purposes or to track activities such as free speech.
The technology’s use is restricted around schools, courts, food banks and places of worship, the Standard reports.
Richland police say they support the intent of the law to “balance public safety with individual privacy protection.”
“The temporary suspension will allow the department to ensure its systems, policies, and training fully align with the new requirements before returning the technology to service,” the department’s announcement read.
“The Richland Police Department will continue to work with city leadership, legal counsel, and state partners during the implementation process and will provide updates to the public when the systems are reactivated,” it continued.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 3:51 PM.
