Cop robbed of laptop containing personal data from cases files, just as it was about to be encrypted

A laptop stolen from a detective with the King County, Seattle sheriff’s office has jeopardized the identities of thousands of individuals.

Although the office had encrypted 60 percent of its computers at the time of the robbery, the device taken was among the 40 percent of unencrypted computers.

The machine and a hard drive that also was pocketed contained case files with personal information on thousands of crime victims, suspects, witnesses and even police officers. The data included Social Security and driver’s license numbers.

“The laptop was stolen last March from the backseat of a detective's undercover pickup truck.” Earlier in June, the sheriff's office sent out 2,300 letters to everyone who might now be vulnerable. “It took this long to send the letters because they had to figure out who they needed to notify.”

The detective targeted didn't follow office policy and could face discipline.