Cashmere council debates license plate reader cameras

CASHMERE — A discussion that has been simmering on local social media made its way into the Cashmere City Council chambers Monday night, where Councilmember Chris Carlson questioned the city's use of automated license plate reader cameras and asked fellow councilmembers to consider having them removed.

Instead of taking immediate action, the council agreed to invite representatives from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office to explain how the cameras work, what information they collect and how the data is used before deciding whether to ask that they be removed.

Carlson described the cameras, which are positioned at entrances and exits to the community, as "an Orwellian ‘Big Brother’ intrusion" into residents' privacy.

"I frankly would like to see them removed from Cashmere, or at least have a discussion about that," Carlson said. "I don't trust what they're doing with that information."

Carlson argued the cameras collect more than license plate numbers, expressing concern that they also record vehicle characteristics and movement patterns that could be retained or misused. He also mentioned tracking cell phone Bluetooth signals, although that technology is associated with another company, Leonardo, and their ELSAG cameras, not with Flock.

Other councilmembers took a different view, noting the cameras are intended to assist criminal investigations and are not installed in residential neighborhoods.

Councilmember Jeff Johnson said the technology provides law enforcement with another investigative tool while requiring fewer personnel.

"The reality is we were not too long ago complaining about costs and wanting to reduce deputies," Johnson said. "This is a tool to do that."

Mayor Jim Fletcher said Sheriff Mike Morrison had previously indicated the county would remove the cameras if the city requested it, but recommended hearing directly from the Sheriff's Office before making a decision.

"I'd like an explanation," said Councilmember Jayne Stephenson, with others agreeing that a public presentation would help residents better understand how the technology is used.

During the discussion, supporters of the cameras argued they can help investigators identify vehicles connected to crimes and reconstruct suspects' movements after incidents occur. Carlson countered that collecting information on every vehicle entering or leaving the community raised broader concerns about privacy and government surveillance.

The debate closely mirrored recent conversations among Cashmere-area residents on social media, where supporters have argued the cameras help solve crimes while opponents have questioned the amount of data collected and whether the technology infringes on personal privacy.

No formal action was taken Monday night. City officials said they will arrange for representatives from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office to attend a future council meeting to answer questions before the council considers whether to request any changes.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media