The wireless mesh network will be deactivated until city council approves a draft policy and until there’s an opportunity for vigorous public debate,” Seattle Police Spokesperson Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said.

Police Chief Jim Pugel gave the orders to begin the deactivation process earlier in the day, while also claiming they had not been actively using the network. Seattle police now say the network was “operational” but not being “operated” after allegedly forgetting to turn off the system following its initial test phase, contradicting earlier claims.