Mayor orders license-plate readers turned off temporarily, and other surveillance decisions

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle politics

Hundreds of Seattle Police vehicles are equipped with automated license-plate readers (ALPRs), and if you listen to police radio, you’ll hear multiple calls every day where officers turn up stolen cars because of an “ALPR hit.” It also turns out that’s how they were alerted to a Silver Alert subject’s presence in Admiral on Monday. But ALPRs also raise privacy concerns, as they routinely gather information potentially linking people to certain locations. So SPD cars won’t be using them for a while, as one of Mayor Katie Wilson‘s surveillance decisions announced this afternoon. She also announced:

-Expansion of surveillance pilot paused “until we have completed a privacy and data governance audit, and taken significant steps to strengthen those policies”

-SPD’s Real-Time Crime Center “will continue to operate and existing cameras will remain in place”

-Cameras planned for installation soon in the Stadium District will be installed “given the unique nature of the upcoming World Cup and the current geopolitical situation” but “they will not be turned on and will not be connected to the RTCC unless we are aware of a credible threat which warrants such action.”

-An installed camera that “has a view of a facility which provides reproductive health care and gender-affirming care” will be turned off “until we’ve completed a comprehensive security audit and have stronger safeguards in place”

-All cameras will be turned off “in the event of a surge of immigration enforcement similar to what was seen in Minneapolis”

Mayor Wilson’s announcement about the ALPRs noted that state legislators “recently added welcome new restrictions to limit the potential abuse of this technology” so she wants to pause their use “until we can ensure that our practices are consistent with the new state law and reflect the best safety and security policies.” The bill that passed the legislature is this one, awaiting the governor’s signature.

The mayor’s full speech about surveillance is in video above, and you can read it online here.

Question Authority March 19, 2026 (3:29 pm)

First off you have no right to privacy while out in public and if your not breaking the law why be worried, and what about all the cameras in all the stores and restaurants you visit? If all you can default to is “my privacy” you better stay home and not walk by your Ring camera or look at your phone camera lens.

WSB fan March 19, 2026 (3:50 pm)

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I can only hope that someone posting this comment under the handle “Question Authority” is doing so ironically.
Rhonda March 19, 2026 (4:39 pm)

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I thought you’d be more skeptical of authority, Question Authority. There’s a massive difference between government surveillance cameras and private surveillance cameras. The latter require law enforcement to get a search warrant issued by a judge if they need/want to investigate a situation. City-owned cameras do not. You also have a right to be in public but you don’t have a right to be in a private space.
- Mike March 20, 2026 (6:12 am)
  
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  Rhonda, I agree with your response. Criminals have also caught on and just take plates off cars or swap them out. The overreach of what’s happening in this state, continually violating rights of “The People”, needs to stop.
Lauren March 19, 2026 (4:50 pm)

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Once again, the irony in this username…
k March 19, 2026 (5:08 pm)

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The fourth amendment doesn’t make a distinction between public and private property. The government does not have the right to surveil you without probable cause. Wilson is just doing the due diligence the council failed to before rubber stamping the cameras to begin with.
- Frog March 19, 2026 (9:06 pm)
  
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  The fourth amendment is about search and seizure, not surveillance. Search means moving things to see what was not originally visible (or the telecom equivalent.) The fourth amendment does not place any limit on government agents observing you in public, taking notes on your hat, coat and shoes, observing what you do in public, etc. No warrant is required for that. If you commit a crime in plain view of a police officer, you can be arrested on the spot, and no warrant is required for the officer to have watched you do it.
Thomas March 20, 2026 (3:23 pm)

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Why in the world would you turn license plate readers off?.Explain how that infringes.on civil.rights. The only ones this infringes on is car thieves. We have juveniles running around in stolen cars .Boy we sure wouldn’t want to try and stop that from.happening. Goofy Katie has to go!

Marcus March 19, 2026 (3:38 pm)

Okay let just watch the crime stats rise.

Alki resident March 19, 2026 (3:44 pm)

Insanity, this is how innocent victims of car theft have gotten their vehicles back. This’ll also cause much more theft in the near future because nobody is watching.

Junction Resident March 19, 2026 (10:01 pm)

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Meh over reaction. Let’s not stir the pot. Long term win. Ensure civilian privacy protection and eventual reintroduction with continued police usage for stolen cars, etc. We go a short duration of time without the cameras for a significantly more favorable outcome. I fully support this and likely the silent majority do too. Just a few on this thread that like shaking a fist at any change because change is scary.
BlBl March 20, 2026 (7:53 am)

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And surveillance cameras are why innocent people have been arrested for crimes that did not commit. Protecting against that is more important than a broken-in car any day.
Burgerman March 22, 2026 (11:44 pm)

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But I thought you Trumpers wanted to (figuratively of course) die on the hill of no government overreach? (Read:surveillance) What gives? You starting to realize how consistently error- and hypocrisy-prone your belief system is?

Seattlite March 19, 2026 (3:52 pm)

Mayor Katie is making stunningly BAD decisions which will affect the safety of ALL Seattleites.

k March 20, 2026 (10:52 am)

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Yes, it’s definitely bad to *checks notes* make sure your city is in compliance with state law. Totally nailed it, Seattleite!

EVGuy March 19, 2026 (4:00 pm)

Such insanity. “they will not be turned on and will not be connected to the RTCC unless we are aware of a credible threat which warrants such action.”So we paid for the cameras, paid to install them, pay to maintain them, but heaven forbid they catch someone doing something illegal that’s on the “allowed list of illegal things we tolerate”.

Paul March 19, 2026 (4:04 pm)

I’m not happy that these are being turned off. I personally believe that they reduce crime, help with identifying stolen vehicles, and clearly recently helped save that elderly man that was found in West Seattle. Why people are so worried is strange. Every store, bank, stadium, building, etc has cameras on.

anonyme March 19, 2026 (4:21 pm)

This is an irrational and potentially very dangerous decision for many reasons, but one sticks out. The World Cup is potentially a terrorist magnet, and the current and absurdly unnecessary war with Iran just increases that threat. And yet our Mayor will not allow expensive new surveillance cameras, installed specifically for use during the World Cup, to be turned on unless there is an existing “credible threat” – in other words, when it’s too late. Who knows what could be missed that could prevent a disaster? Clearly, neither the actual victims of crime nor potential ones have any place in this Mayor’s agenda. Instead, she will protect criminals at any cost.

bradley March 20, 2026 (7:35 am)

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It wouldn’t hurt for the mayor to check in with European security regarding the roving hooligans they track and monitor. International futball is a higher level rabid fandom, and you don’t want to be caught with your shorts down.

DRW March 19, 2026 (4:33 pm)

Now our public safety is at risk. Again.

Bill March 19, 2026 (4:37 pm)

For the last year or more RPZs have been patrolled using ALPR equipped vehicles. Can we assume these have been turned off too? Are RPZ a free for all now? Or will Parking Enforcement return to patrolling these areas looking for RPZ stickers again?

WSB March 19, 2026 (5:18 pm)

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Apparently so – parking enforcement is part of the city. Although I should note, in the couple hours since I wrote this, I’ve heard two patrol officers radioing in about “ALPR hits” so I’m wondering how soon they’re supposed to turn them off ..
- bradley March 20, 2026 (7:38 am)
  
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  It would be interesting to hear how many hits these readers find, as a support factor for keeping them turned on. And, a voice to how many stolen cars end up in West Seattle.
- Marina March 20, 2026 (12:50 pm)
  
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  We received the email this morning, so I believe Friday is the first day.

Lauren March 19, 2026 (4:51 pm)

I support this. ICE is using these types of systems to target citizens and legal immigrants. I’m really hoping this is a preemptive measure and not an indication an ICE surge is imminent…

Marina March 19, 2026 (8:05 pm)

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ICE will use what ICE wants to use. Katie’s got no jurisdiction over them.
- Carole March 20, 2026 (1:34 pm)
  
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  That’s what you think,
  - Canton March 21, 2026 (10:28 am)
    
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    If you really think Katie has any form of jurisdiction OVER the feds, I dare you to not file your federal income taxes… Let’s see if Katie will help you…

Craig March 19, 2026 (4:52 pm)

We have the technology now, it’s implemented and stable, working effectively, but there’s a possible future risk it maybe could be misused – so the mayor wants to end all the good of Silver Alerts, finding stolen cars, and other benefits that help police and citizens for a ‘just in case someday maybe’ worry. Nuts. We need innovation and improvement not taking steps backwards out of paranoia. Also, as mentioned if you’re in public you have by definition no right to privacy. The same right that lets citizens take pictures of cops doing their job (or ICE misusing their powers) is the right that lets cameras scan plates in public.

Just thinking March 19, 2026 (5:08 pm)

As far as privacy, I agreed with the above statements; You are in public places, streets or stadiums and there is a sign that says: Cameras in Use. You have a choice if you are uncomfortable with your appearance at a location being photographed. We are now living in a world where we need more police on the streets, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Cameras are added eyes for police officers in an effort to keep those of us that are law biding safe. We seem to be regressing back to less law and order from our elected officials.

Rhonda March 19, 2026 (5:15 pm)

Forget the pause, just cancel the whole program. Government surveillance cameras on poles in our communities is the very definition of a police state.

Eric1 March 19, 2026 (5:24 pm)

I don’t worry about a license plate reader telling the government where I was 10 seconds ago because my iPhone is transmitting my exact location continuously.

Bill#1 March 19, 2026 (8:43 pm)

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Surprise! Surprise!
1994 March 19, 2026 (9:28 pm)

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Yep! And isn’t it about 90% of the population that have smart phones? Your smart phone knows where you are as do others who have that tracking feature activated for you…Technology has unintended consequences. Many new cars have a feature where the car is tracked by satellite or some other tech feature. I read that owners need to manually disable that tracking feature. The ALPRs may also help locate or track AMBER ALERT suspect vehicles.
Derek March 20, 2026 (7:43 am)

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You know what device encryption and warrants are, correct? Can’t look at that info without them.

Patrick March 19, 2026 (5:57 pm)

LPRs won’t work if you don’t have an license plate on your car, which seems to be the case for lots of cars these days so there’s that.

Bill at Duwamish Head March 19, 2026 (6:23 pm)

To me, a small and less important issue in this discussion, is why are the police not pulling over the vehicles that have license plate obscurring coverings? People have been using them for years to evade tolling, plus, during the Bridge Shutdown to drive over the low bridge. Why not just pull them over and write tickets, with increasing fines for multiple infractions. Actions like this would of course increase city coffers, but also deter drivers who are involved in illicit and criminal activities. Most of the vehicles I see with obscurred licsense plates are rather high priced vehicles, not low paid worker vehicles. I definetly echo Eric 1’s post, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and I am sure FBI, NSA, and HSA know exactly where I am. And I confess, I have had one parking ticket and one speeding ticket since 1975.

PG March 19, 2026 (7:15 pm)

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I agree, I am frustrated at how many of these I see on the streets. If you don’t want to pay the toll, use a non-toll road.
bill March 19, 2026 (8:48 pm)

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I have no objection to fines going into the city’s coffers. The point is it comes out of miscreants’ pockets. I don’t understand objections to punishing scofflaws, unless those objecting are outing themselves.
anonyme March 20, 2026 (1:38 pm)

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Bill, I don’t think the refusal of the SPD to enforce the law is a small issue, and vehicles with obscured, missing, or no plates at all is one that should be addressed. Seattle drivers have become accustomed to driving and parking any way they choose, without any fear of consequences. In the rare event they are lawfully fined, they come on here and whine about the unfairness of it all. And yes, I agree with you that the top violators are owners of luxury vehicles.

Luna Lady March 19, 2026 (6:55 pm)

Good!! If I wanted the government to spy on me in public I’d live in North Korea, Cuba, or China.

CIA March 20, 2026 (7:14 am)

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Do you have a cell phone!
- K March 20, 2026 (8:22 am)
  
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  Not all cell phones are smart phones, tracking can be turned off cell phones, and the Supreme Court has ruled the government needs probable cause and a warrant to get your data and location info. You can have a cell phone and still have a right to privacy.
  - Carole March 20, 2026 (1:38 pm)
    
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    Not in this current U.S. administration.

Just thinking March 19, 2026 (7:40 pm)

The New York City bomber would not have been identified or caught without the use of cameras.

bradley March 20, 2026 (7:41 am)

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Or the shooter of the 2 teenagers recently charged in the Rainer Beach murders.
Carole March 20, 2026 (1:39 pm)

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You will have to prove such a statement.

Hungry Pilgrim March 19, 2026 (8:48 pm)

Insurance premiums will increase once again, and Seattle residents will be asked to shoulder the burden. While some may downplay the impact of crimes like auto theft by pointing out that victims are insured, that argument misses the bigger picture. Insurance is not a shield from cost—it simply redistributes it. Every claim drives premiums higher, meaning responsible, law-abiding citizens ultimately pay the price for increasing crime.
When policies create an environment where crime is perceived as low-risk or easily excused, the consequences ripple far beyond individual incidents. They show up in higher bills, reduced sense of security, and growing frustration among residents who do the right thing which will ultimately erode trust in local leadership and raise a difficult question: are the needs of law-abiding citizens truly being prioritized?
For many, the answer to that question may influence where they choose to live. Because at a certain point, people will look for communities where safety, accountability, and fairness are more than just ideals—that they will be actively upheld.

anonyme March 20, 2026 (1:31 pm)

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Very well put.

Matt March 19, 2026 (8:58 pm)

These “no right to privacy in public” comments fundamentally misunderstand the difference between having your photo taken in public and having a city-wide network of video cameras record you, automatically identify you, build a database of video clips tracking your location around the city, link your identity to cell phone data, etc. Big ol’ difference. You may be doing nothing wrong, but when the surveillance system misidentifies you (or ALPR misidentifies your plate) and links you to someone who has, the consequences can be not so trivial.

Carole March 20, 2026 (1:41 pm)

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Truth! Thank you!

WestSide 4 life March 19, 2026 (9:01 pm)

Taxpayer bought and paid for. Huge win for our opportunistic citizens..

ACG March 19, 2026 (9:32 pm)

Are the license plate readers at the school zones and certain stop lights with cameras also included?

WSB March 20, 2026 (1:22 am)

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The school-zone cameras don’t work the same way and, that aside, are not city installations – the school district is a different entity. The red light cameras are city-operated but they don’t work like ALPRs either.

HarborIslandWorker March 20, 2026 (5:11 am)

Question… does this change effect body cameras worn by law enforcement ?

22blades March 20, 2026 (5:15 am)

With the proper use of these tools, I don’t have a heartache over their use. I am more concerned about having a robust firewall of our data from entities outside our elected city. I am sure other entities with different motives are abusing our systems. It’s our systems & it’s our data. If we can’t ensure their intended use, turn them off.

Morgan March 20, 2026 (5:44 am)

Stunningly bad decision when hosting a high profile international sporting event. Just insane. No other democracies would do this.

North Admiral Cyclist March 20, 2026 (6:03 am)

For me, it’s simple. Our new mayor does not represent my interests. I have three issues at the top of my list: 1) reducing crime, and 2) safety on our public roads for pedestrians and bicyclists, and 3) bringing light rail to the Alaska Junction. All of these issues get short shrift by our new mayor – and Rob Saka.

findhumorwhere you can findit March 20, 2026 (6:54 am)

Dog walkers unite. Phones in hand and poop bags in the other. Look up for both uses! There are approximately 150,000 to 153,000 dogs in Seattle. This number is notable because it exceeds the city’s child population, which is estimated at around 107,000. Seattle is considered a very dog-friendly city, with numerous amenities for pets. Instagram +2

Dog Population: Estimated to be around 150,000 to 153,000.
Context: Dogs outnumber children in Seattle (approx. 107,000-106,000 children).
Pet Friendliness: The city is known for having many, restaurants, and, for example, Cascade Kennels suggests that many outdoor eating areas are welcoming to pets. Instagram +2

Keenan March 20, 2026 (7:44 am)

Big win for the car thief lobby.

Come on Katie. I voted for you do something about wealth inequality and the cost of housing in this city. This is the first thing on your agenda?

Mellow Kitty March 20, 2026 (8:28 am)

Interesting comment thread. There’s a lot of outrage coming from the same people who’s heads exploded when the traffic cameras went up in the first place.

Faunt-Leroy March 20, 2026 (11:03 am)

I’m glad my mayor is looking at the real world concerns about where this data is being shared and distributed, and taking real action to investigate. I’m guessing most people in this public forum don’t have great real world stats on how much these system help prevent crime, myself included so I cant speak to that. There are however many documented instances of data collected by these systems having a negative impact on innocent people, and that should take precedent when weighing the value of such systems.

anonyme March 20, 2026 (1:52 pm)

An installed camera that “has a view of a facility which provides
reproductive health care and gender-affirming care” will be turned off “. These facilities, their employees, and their clients have frequently been the target of violence and harassment, which is why the cameras were installed to begin with. But now the Mayor will remove the protections that were put in place for their benefit in favor of waving a virtue flag. I’m sure they’ll all feel much safer now.

Shawn March 20, 2026 (1:57 pm)

These things shouldn’t even be legal in the first place. Very discouraging they still plan to use them after a fig leaf “audit”. Nobody read 1984 I take it… Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither.