AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. — The Airway Heights Police Department has temporarily disabled its Flock automated license plate reader cameras over concerns about a new state privacy law. The PD says its reasoning aligns with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, which decided to shut down its cameras on Wednesday.
Nearly 100 license plate reader cameras used by the sheriff’s office went offline after Sheriff John Nowels cited uncertainty about how to comply with Senate Bill 6002, which sets new limits on how the technology can be used, where cameras can be placed and how long data can be stored.
In a statement, Airway Heights police Capt. Jake Keith said his department also decided to temporarily deactivate its cameras because of the legislation.
“Our reasons align with that of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office,” Keith said, apologizing for a delayed response.
The sheriff’s office said it is reviewing the law with legal counsel to determine whether and how the cameras can return to service. No timeline has been announced.
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