Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington State Patrol for Access to the Traffic and Criminal Software System
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington State Patrol and the Olympia Police Department for Access to the Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) System.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington State Patrol and the Olympia Police Department for Access to the TraCS System.
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Police Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Agenda
Background and Analysis:
The Washington State Patrol provides statewide access to the TraCS system, which allows law enforcement agencies to electronically create, transmit, and manage Notices of Infraction (NOI), Notices of Criminal Citation (NOCC), Police Traffic Collision Reports (PTCR), DUI arrest reports, tow/impound forms, and marine vessel inspection forms. As stated in the agreement, “The purpose of this Agreement is to provide the Agency…access to the WSP’s Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS)” (TraCS Agreement, p.1).
TraCS is being implemented statewide as the successor to SECTOR, the legacy electronic ticketing and collision-reporting platform that OPD has used for many years. SECTOR is being phased out by the state, and agencies are required to transition to TraCS to maintain compatibility with statewide data systems, reporting requirements, and electronic submission workflows. TraCS provides improved data accuracy, enhanced security controls, and a more modern interface for officers and reviewers.
Under the agreement, OPD must designate a Local Agency System Administrator (LASA) responsible for managing user accounts, supporting officers, maintaining secure data connections, and coordinating technical issues with WSP. The agreement also outlines strict confidentiality and data-security requirements, including compliance with RCW 42.56, federal privacy laws, and WSP security protocols. It further incorporates statewide restrictions on the use or sharing of data for civil immigration enforcement (RCW 10.93.160) and out-of-state reproductive health investigations (Governor’s Directive 22-12).
This is a non-financial agreement, as stated in the contract: “In no event shall either Party seek compensation from the other Party for work performed under this Agreement” (TraCS Agreement, p.3). OPD’s costs are limited to existing staff time and equipment already included in the Department’s operating budget.
Approval of this agreement will allow OPD to complete the transition from SECTOR to TraCS and maintain uninterrupted electronic citation and collision-reporting capabilities.
Climate Analysis:
Implementing a statewide electronic reporting system will generally have a positive environmental impact. It reduces paper use, printing, and the vehicle trips previously required for transporting physical documents-lowering waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. The main environmental downsides involve the energy needed for data centers and the manufacturing and disposal of electronic devices. However, these impacts can be minimized through energy-efficient hosting, responsible device procurement, and proper e-waste recycling.
Equity Analysis:
Providing statewide access to an electronic traffic and criminal reporting system significantly advances equity across Washington’s law enforcement landscape. It ensures that every agency, regardless of size, funding, or geography, can deliver consistent, timely, and accurate public-safety services. The initiative supports fairer outcomes for the public, reduces gaps in enforcement and judicial processing, and strengthens statewide data integrity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Communities want transparent, fair, and consistent law enforcement practices. A statewide electronic reporting system supports these interests by improving the accuracy and timeliness of citations and reports, reducing administrative delays for residents, and ensuring enforcement is consistent across jurisdictions. Neighborhoods benefit from better traffic safety data, faster access to collision or incident reports, and clearer communication through standardized digital forms. Residents also value strong privacy protections and efficient use of public resources.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact associated with this agreement. As stated in the contract, “This is a non-financial Agreement” (TraCS Agreement, p.3). OPD will continue to use existing equipment and staff resources already budgeted for electronic reporting.
Options:
1. Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the interlocal agreement Between the Washington State Patrol and the Olympia Police Department for Access to the Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) System.
2. Do not approve the resolution and request language modifications to the agreement. This will require additional staff time to reconstruct the agreement.
3. Do not approve the resolution. This will result in OPD losing access to electronic ticketing and accident reporting, with the only other option being paper based.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement