REDMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC STATEMENT
RE: Automated License Plate Reader Program - Data Privacy and Security Safeguards
I want to address concerns that have recently emerged regarding Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology and data-sharing practices. The safety and privacy of our community members remain our highest priorities of the City of Redmond and the Redmond Police Department. Under the direction of Mayor Birney, I am committed to maintaining your trust through transparency and accountability.
Following recent reports about data-sharing issues in other jurisdictions, I want to assure you that the Redmond Police Department has implemented comprehensive safeguards that distinguish our program from those that have experienced problems. These protections were built into our program from the beginning and reflect our commitment to responsible use of technology.
Key Safeguards in Place
The Redmond Police Department does not activate nationwide data sharing within our ALPR program. Unlike some jurisdictions that recently experienced technical issues when a software update defaulted them into nationwide sharing, our system has never been configured for this broad access. We made the deliberate decision to maintain control over our data and to ensure that any information requests would be reviewed and approved by our department.
While our system technically allows 106 law enforcement agencies to request information from us, Every request must be submitted to the Office of the Chief of Police for review and approval. To date, no out-of-state agency has requested assess to our system, and no federal agency has ever requested or received information from the Redmond Police Department.
Our audit processes, conducted both internally and externally with Flock, have confirmed that our data has not been shared with any outside entity. When we discovered two inadvertent connections with out-of-state police agencies during a recent audit, we immediately corrected the error and disclosed it transparently to the City Council and community. Importantly, neither of these agencies ever requested information from us during the time those connections existed.
Approval and Oversight Process
All external requests for ALPR information must be approved by my office before any data is released. A dedicated staff member reviews each request to ensure it meets our standards and complies with Washington State law, including the Keep Washington Working Act. If a request is vague or ambiguous, we will not approve it. Instead, our investigative sergeant will contact the requesting agency to verify the legitimacy and legal basis for the inquiry.
Even our own officers must meet strict requirements before accessing ALPR data. Every search requires a valid case number and a documented investigative nexus. This prevents unauthorized queries and ensures that the system is used solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Policy Framework and Legal Protections
Our ALPR program operates under comprehensive policies outlined in Sections 341 and 612 of the Redmond Policy and Procedure Manual, which are publicly available on our website. These policies were established before the program launched and govern both our technology use and data practices.
Additionally, Flock has implemented a backend filter specifically for Washington State customers in compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act. If any search query references immigration, reproductive rights, or other protected categories, the system automatically blocks the search. This protection ensures that our technology cannot be misused in ways that conflict with Washington State law and values.
Furthermore, as Chief of Police, I have decided that our department must redact license plate information when we receive public records requests for ALPR data, treating it as personally identifiable information that deserves protection. This practice demonstrates my commitment to privacy even in contexts where disclosure might otherwise be permitted.
Commitment to Transparency and Continuous Improvement
I strongly believe in transparency and accountability. Our department will continue to conduct regular audits of the ALPR system to ensure it operates as intended. I will keep Mayor Birney, the City Council, and community members informed about the program's use and effectiveness. I am also exploring alternative vendors as they become available in the market, and I will not hesitate to recommend a transition if it better serves the interests and values of our community.
The City Council has requested additional safeguards and documentation from Flock, and I am actively working to secure those commitments in writing. We will also be reviewing our data retention policies to determine whether the current 30-day retention period can be shortened while still maintaining investigative effectiveness.
I welcome your questions and concerns about this program. The Redmond Police Department is here to serve you, and that service must be grounded in your trust and confidence. I will continue to use technology responsibly, with strong safeguards and oversight, to enhance public safety while protecting your privacy and civil liberties.
If you have questions or would like more information about our ALPR program or any other department initiative, please contact our Public Information Officer, Jill Green, at jgreen@redmond.gov or 425-556-2627.
Respectfully,
Chief Darrell Lowe
Redmond Police Department
8701 160th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
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