Residents debate automated license-plate readers at Broomfield council meeting; one urges permit revocation

Automated license-plate readers (ALPRs) and a private company’s installation of cameras on public roads drew opposing public comments at the Broomfield City Council meeting on April 8.

Resident Will Freeman told council he had observed multiple black cameras mounted on poles around Broomfield and described them as ALPRs that log and analyze every vehicle that passes, warning the systems can build detailed movement profiles and perform convoy analysis. Freeman said the Interlochen Owners Association, a private group, had installed 14 cameras on public roads, that the association owns the data and that the permit is revocable by the city; he urged the council to revoke the permit.

In rebuttal, Quentin Salyer said he was presenting to U.S. congressional leadership on ALPRs and defended Flock technology, saying departments do not use it for facial recognition, that the system does not collect biometric data and that law enforcement access is governed by a department-specific transparency portal and retention policy (he said 30 days is industry standard). Salyer said hot lists used by law enforcement are limited to NCIC/CCIC/Amber Alert and that use is audited within departments.

Mayor Pro Tem and council took the comments during the public-comment period; no formal action to revoke or modify any permit was taken at the meeting. Staff or council did not announce immediate next steps on the permit during the meeting. The public record shows the issue is active in the community and could prompt future council discussion or staff follow-up.