In a recent government meeting, Gig Harbor officials discussed the implementation of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, marking a significant policy shift from previous councils. The city has secured a $33,000 grant from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority to fund the installation of ten ALPR cameras and cover the first year of monitoring and data storage.

The ALPR technology, primarily provided by Flock Safety, has already proven beneficial through data sharing with neighboring law enforcement agencies, aiding in the capture of suspects, including a serial bank robber. The cameras will be strategically placed at key entry and exit points in the city to monitor vehicle traffic effectively.

During the meeting, concerns regarding privacy and data retention were raised. The proposed policy includes measures to address these issues, such as limiting data retention to 30 days to comply with public records laws. This timeframe allows sufficient opportunity for individuals to request access to potentially significant records.

Council members expressed apprehension about the potential misuse of the data, particularly in scenarios involving out-of-state warrants or stalking cases. Chief Busey reassured attendees that requests for data from other jurisdictions would only be honored if the underlying crime was also illegal in Washington. The data collected would remain under the city's jurisdiction, despite being stored by Flock Safety.

The discussion highlighted the balance between enhancing public safety through advanced technology and safeguarding individual privacy rights. As the city moves forward with the ALPR initiative, officials aim to ensure transparency and accountability in its use.