Denver will discontinue the use of its automated license plate reader cameras following approval from all members of the city council.
voted against a contract extension with Flock
.
They voiced concerns about data security and potential immigration enforcement access. Flock camera data is accessible to more than 80 law enforcement agencies, some of which have committed to cooperating with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A contract worth $666,000 could have enabled the Denver Police Department to continue running 111 cameras at approximately 70 intersections throughout Denver for an additional two-year period. These surveillance systems were deployed last year primarily to tackle Denver’s significant issue with vehicle thefts. Furthermore, they assisted law enforcement officials in their efforts.
resolve a jewelry theft that occurred back in April.
The office of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston requested the city council to reject the contract on Monday evening.
Although they acknowledged that the cameras led to a 40% reduction in vehicle thefts, they were also aware of the community’s worries regarding privacy and security issues.
The mayor’s office stated that they recognize the current environment has significantly changed since the pilot started in early 2024, and there are now additional community concerns regarding this technology,
Several city counselors addressed immigration issues directly.
Currently, we find ourselves in a time when merely last week, an executive order was issued directing the Department of Justice and the FBI to search for grounds to indict local elected officials and activists whom they consider to be so-called ‘obstructers’ of ICE operations,” stated Councilmember Sarah Parady. “Such surveillance tools serve as a boon for those with nefarious intentions, and unfortunately, the federal government currently harbors such malevolent aims.
Parady also noted that while the Denver Police Department does not work with ICE agents, departments like the El Paso County Sheriff are not subject to sanctuary city policies and have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate with federal enforcement.
Her concerns were echoed by her colleagues.
Council member Chris Hines stated, ‘I would like to understand better which details are being exchanged, who has access to these details, how they will be utilized, and whom they aim to safeguard.’
At a moment when individuals within our immigrant communities, along with others, feel apprehensive, we need to improve our approach until we achieve complete public transparency, enforce rigorous restrictions on data accessibility, and establish effective oversight mechanisms that can uphold this agreement,” Hines went on. “We should never compromise civil liberties for the sake of public safety.
The city will keep running the trial with the Flock cameras but has decided not to extend the agreement once it ends. According to statements from the mayor’s office, they intend to establish a task force to explore various aspects related to technology and safety, deployment strategies, as well as tackle worries about confidentiality and protection.