Bothell council studies ALPR policy and surveillance risks; staff to pursue subcommittee and state advocacy

Chief of Police (introduced in the meeting packet and by staff) reviewed the city’s current use of automated license-plate readers (ALPRs): the department operates school-zone ALPR systems whose vendor (identified in discussion as VeriMobility) parses images and forwards potential infractions; the department receives only vetted infraction images and retains data consistent with state records-retention requirements. The chief emphasized that Bothell does not use facial recognition and that proposed ALPR expansions would come before council for purchasing and policy decisions.

Council members pressed staff on the vendor’s handling of non-infraction data, whether third-party mobile ALPR companies operating in the region sell or retain captured data, and whether federal authorities could compel vendors to turn over data without notifying the city. The chief said vendors reported non-infraction images are deleted but acknowledged uncertainty about third-party retention practices and said the city’s contract indicated the vendor would provide only infraction data. When asked about federal access, staff said they were not aware of any instance where Bothell’s ALPR data had been accessed but noted the city might not be notified if compelled under federal statute.

Council discussed trade-offs between data risk and traffic safety: members said ALPRs have reduced school-zone violations and can reduce officer contact, while others argued any data collection creates the risk of federal access or commercial dissemination. Multiple council members proposed state advocacy and tighter contract and procurement language, and several volunteered or supported creating an ad-hoc subcommittee (or repurposing a public-safety committee) to develop policy guidance and proposed legislative priorities. Staff said they will return with legal analysis, contract-language options, and a recommended scope for a subcommittee.