Chief Schuldt says systems will stay off until new state law requirements are fully met with no set timeline for return
Renton, WA — The Renton Police Department has paused its entire automated license plate readers (ALPR), including Flock Safety cameras, in-car cameras, and parking enforcement vehicles equipped with ALPR, while it works to come into compliance with new state regulations.
Chief Jon Schuldt, along with Deputy Chiefs Rutledge and Hardon, briefed the Committee of the Whole on April 6th, following council’s March referral of the matter. The pause took effect March 31st.
“Until we have mechanisms in place that we’re comfortable we have become in compliance with the new law, it’s going to stay off,” Schuldt told the committee. He offered no timeline for when the program might resume.
The halt follows the passage of Senate Bill 6002, which establishes new statewide requirements for how law enforcement agencies may use ALPR technology. Among other things, the law places restrictions on permitted uses, data retention, data sharing, and mandates formal policies, audits, and reporting to the state Attorney General. New regulations also designate schools, medical facilities, places of worship, and other areas as sensitive facilities where additional restrictions apply.
Schuldt noted that while Flock cameras may still be collecting data passively, officers have no ability to access that data. One camera was identified as likely positioned in violation of the new sensitive-area rules and has been turned off entirely, not simply paused alongside the rest of the program.
To return to full operation, the department must update its internal policies, complete updated training for the force, and establish auditing and reporting mechanisms that satisfy the new law. Councilmember O’Halloran noted during the meeting that the software vendor will also be required to make updates on their end.
Despite the pause, Schuldt was candid about the program’s track record. “It’s been a gamechanger when it comes to investigations,” he said, citing its role in notable homicide cases. The department’s presentation to the committee listed Flock assists across a wide range of case types, from homicides and robberies to hit-and-runs, stolen vehicles, and the recovery of eight firearms.
The pause also reflects the city’s obligations under the Keep Washington Working Act, which prohibits sharing data with federal immigration enforcement agencies. The Flock camera data-as-public-record remains part of the broader context for why the city is taking a careful approach before resuming operations.
Disclosure: Our editor is a member of the RPD Chief’s Community Council, which serves as a community liaison body to the police department and does not hold policy-making authority.
