Chelan County, Washington, is currently evaluating its use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from Flock Safety, a discussion intensified by recent vandalism and public privacy concerns. The News Tribune reported on September 21, 2026, that approximately four or five of the 12 cameras installed since early 2025 have been vandalized.
This comes as the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, which uses these cameras through a two-year pilot program funded by a Washington Auto Theft Prevention grant, defends their utility in law enforcement operations. For drivers in Chelan County, this means continued uncertainty about the long-term presence of these surveillance tools on local roads.
What are the concerns about ALPR cameras in Chelan County?
Privacy is a central concern for many residents. Cashmere City Council member Chris Carlson stated, "I don't like mass surveillance and I believe Flock cameras are mass surveillance." He noted that recording license plate numbers and interconnecting data over a large area constitutes surveillance.
Diane Potter, a Cashmere resident, expressed in an email to Sheriff Mike Morrison that "Law-abiding residents should not have their daily movements recorded simply because they drive on public roads." She also requested a public hearing before surveillance technology is installed.
Another point of contention is data sharing. A University of Washington article in October 2025 revealed that Wenatchee and East Wenatchee police departments unknowingly shared network access with federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol, due to a default setting. Sheriff Morrison confirmed that the Chelan County Sheriff's Office does not share its data with the federal government.
How do ALPR cameras impact drivers?
When a vehicle passes a Flock camera, the system captures its license plate number and identifying details, such as vehicle color or specific accessories like a bike rack. This information, along with the time and location, creates a "fingerprint" of the vehicle. This data is then logged into a database accessible by approved law enforcement agencies.
For drivers, this means their movements on public roads can be recorded and stored. While law enforcement cites the technology's effectiveness in solving crimes like stolen vehicles or locating suspects in AMBER Alerts, some residents feel a loss of privacy. A Wenatchee-based delivery driver, Kim Mires, shared her unease, stating, "I honestly just feel like there is a lack of privacy in the Valley." She worries about being tracked even when off-duty.
Washington's "Driver Privacy Act," Senate Bill 6002, signed into law in March, addresses some of these concerns:
- Data Retention: Shortens the storage limit for ALPR data from 30 days to 21 days, unless used in an active case.
- Placement Restrictions: Prohibits ALPR cameras near hospitals, places of worship, immigration facilities, courts, or food banks.
Sheriff Morrison noted that the Chelan County Sheriff's Office has been compliant with these state requirements. He also mentioned that the software logs user activity to prevent misuse, with the undersheriff monitoring access.
Despite his support for the technology, Sheriff Morrison expressed dissatisfaction with the company itself, stating, "I'm not impressed with the company." He believes Flock Safety has damaged relationships with citizens. The East Wenatchee City Council recently tabled a Flock camera "master agreement" due to resident concerns.
For an overview of how these systems work and where they might be near you, explore our map and learn more about ALPR technology.
Drivers in Chelan County can expect the debate over ALPR cameras to continue. Sheriff Morrison anticipates ALPR cameras will be a "major conversation" during the next legislative session, suggesting further statewide regulations could be introduced.