Yakima Keeps License Plate Cameras Active Despite New State Restrictions

Changes are on the way for the use of automated license plate reading cameras in Washington state. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed a bill changing regulations for the use of the cameras.

IT'S CALLED THE DRIVER PRIVACY ACT THAT PROTECTS YOU

The new Driver Privacy Act simply restricts the use of FLOCK cameras. Currently the city of Yakima has 6 mobile cameras and 87 fixed located in unannounced locations which police say are vital tools in crime fighting. Key changes as a result of the act include mandatory 21-day data deletion, bans on tracking protected activities/reproductive health care, restrictions on use near sensitive locations (schools, churches, clinics), and strict prohibitions on sharing data with federal immigration authorities.

READ MORE: BIG CHANGES COMING TO YAKIMA YMCA

INFORMATION GATHERING IS TIME LIMITED

The new law says information collected by the cameras must be deleted after 21 days unless used as evidence, down from previous, longer retention periods.
Cameras cannot collect data near "sensitive" areas, including healthcare facilities, immigration facilities, religious places, schools, food banks, and courts. There are usage restrictions as well. Cities can't monitor First Amendment-protected activities like protests or for immigration investigations. Sharing information with federal authorities, especially ICE, is restricted.

MANY ACTIVE CAMERAS ALL AROUND THE CITY AND COUNTY AND IN PATROL CARS

Currently the city of Yakima has 6 mobile cameras and 87 fixed located in unannounced locations which police say are vital tools in crime fighting. There's no plan by the city to stop using or to turn off the local cameras.
Several police departments, including Richland, have temporarily turned off cameras to update policies and align with these new restrictions.