Richland Police Department Temporarily Suspending ALPR Systems Pending Compliance With New State Law
- 04/01/26
The Richland Police Department is announcing that it will temporarily suspend use of its automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, including the department’s Flock Safety camera network and Axon in-car ALPR systems, following passage of the Washington Senate Bill 6002.
The legislation establishes new statewide privacy protections and operational requirements governing the use of automated license plate reader technology by law enforcement agencies. You can read more about the bill here.
To ensure full compliance with the new law, the Richland Police Department will deactivate its ALPR systems while department staff review the legislation, update internal policies, and complete the registration and certification requirements, as outlined in the bill.
“Automated license plate reader technology has proven to be a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement,” said Chief Martin Pilcher. “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.”
The department supports the intent of the legislation 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 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.
More information can be found at richlandwa.gov/ALPR.
Richland Police Department Temporarily Suspending ALPR Systems Pending Compliance With New State Law
- 04/01/26
The Richland Police Department is announcing that it will temporarily suspend use of its automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, including the department’s Flock Safety camera network and Axon in-car ALPR systems, following passage of the Washington Senate Bill 6002.
The legislation establishes new statewide privacy protections and operational requirements governing the use of automated license plate reader technology by law enforcement agencies. You can read more about the bill here.
To ensure full compliance with the new law, the Richland Police Department will deactivate its ALPR systems while department staff review the legislation, update internal policies, and complete the registration and certification requirements, as outlined in the bill.
“Automated license plate reader technology has proven to be a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement,” said Chief Martin Pilcher. “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.”
The department supports the intent of the legislation 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 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.
More information can be found at richlandwa.gov/ALPR.
