Mountlake Terrace council reopens oversight discussion after resident outcry over Flock camera contract

Mountlake Terrace councilors on Aug. 7 took an extended public discussion and direction from residents about the city’s contract with Flock Camera Systems and next steps for oversight, transparency and data protections.

City Manager Jeff Knighton summarized staff work analyzing oversight models after the council approved the contract with Flock on June 5. He said staff researched oversight approaches used elsewhere and identified five models; two that the city could use are a subcommittee of the existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) or reconstituting the city’s community policing advisory board. Knighton said the advisory board still exists in code but was effectively inactive and would need staffing, appointments and possibly ordinance action to change its status.

The meeting drew more than a dozen public commenters on Flock. Speakers urged the council to cancel the contract or, at minimum, create independent oversight, tighten…