Seattle Police use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) is governed by SMC 14.18 surveillance rules. SPD's ALPR program required a Surveillance Impact Report, City Council approval, and is bound by data-retention limits.
Seattle Police Department operates ALPRs primarily on parking enforcement vehicles to identify scofflaw, stolen, and Amber Alert plates. Under SMC 14.18, SPD submitted a Surveillance Impact Report covering ALPR data collection, retention, sharing, and equity impacts; the report was reviewed by the Community Surveillance Working Group and approved by City Council. Plate reads not associated with a hit (e.g., not stolen or wanted) are deleted within 90 days under current policy. Sharing with federal immigration authorities is restricted by Seattle's welcoming-city ordinances and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 43.17.425). SPD policy 16.170 governs operational use. Private parking-enforcement ALPRs (apartments, lots) are common but must follow Washington biometric and privacy law and post notice.
Officer misuse: discipline up to termination plus criminal charges if accessed for personal reasons (RCW 9A.56.020 computer trespass). Department breaches of SMC 14.18: Council enforcement, possible defunding.
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