Government

Contact Information:

6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188

Phone: 206 433-1850

Email The Mayor’s Office

About Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) in Tukwila

Regionally, community concerns and fears have been raised regarding the potential for unauthorized access and data sharing from the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR, also known as Flock) camera system. Specifically, concerns are related to data-sharing and the actions of federal government immigration and customs enforcement. Concerns continue even though Tukwila PD has implemented safeguards since the start of using ALPR, so that data is not shared with other agencies, except with permission and in specific cases.

These concerns have caused increased awareness and questions about the adequacy of the city’s protections and safeguards of our technology systems, including the collection, management and use of data; concerns about surveillance, privacy, data sharing; misuse of data, security vulnerabilities, oversight, and transparency.

In January 2026, Mayor McLeod requested an internal review and risk assessment of third-party vendor risk management. The review focused on:

  • Third-Party Systems: Compliance with contractual obligations and alignment with recognized control frameworks.
  • Internal Safeguards: Access management, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), staff training, and policies to ensure they are sufficient to maintain privacy.

The assessment identified strengths and weaknesses in current practices and provided actionable recommendations to improve and ensure privacy, focusing on best and promising practices regarding technology governance, procurement processes, data protections in contracts and legal agreements, security & privacy controls, training, and more.

The process was led by the Mayor’s Office Technology & Innovation Services (TIS) in partnership with Tukwila Police Department, and the final report was presented to Council on May 4, 2026.

The City of Tukwila renegotiated a new contract with Flock Safety to align with the provisions of SB 6002 and in response to community and Council concerns. The City Council adopted the revised contract on 5/18/26.

Resources

Reports