The Pierce County sheriff’s office deactivated its estimated 200 automated license plate readers Tuesday morning, saying the devices affixed to most deputies’ patrol cars cannot comply with the new regulations that went into effect Monday.
Gov. Bob Ferguson said Senate Bill 6002 — known as the Driver Privacy Act — would protect communities in the state from being targeted by federal immigration authorities. The law “strikes a balance” between helping law enforcement and protecting people’s privacy, he said.
But the Pierce County sheriff’s office said there is no way to ensure its Axon dashboard cameras won’t collect data in areas prohibited under the new law, including near schools, courts, food banks, places of worship, and facilities where immigration matters are conducted or that provide reproductive or gender-affirming health care…