Resident urges Auburn to reject Flock vehicle‑tracking cameras, citing privacy and public‑record concerns

Summary

At the Dec. 15 meeting Rocky Salvador told the council Flock cameras are 'mass surveillance' that photograph every vehicle, store data on private servers, and pose privacy and safety risks; he referenced University of Washington research and a Washington ruling on public‑record status of recordings.

During public comment at the Dec. 15 Auburn City Council meeting, resident Rocky Salvador urged the council to remove or ban Flock vehicle‑tracking cameras in Auburn.

"I don't want flock cameras around our city at all," Salvador said, calling the devices "mass surveillance with little oversight" and saying they photograph every vehicle and store data on private servers. He cited University of Washington research and said a recent Washington court decision determined Flock camera recordings fall under public-record law, which could allow wide access to vehicle‑movement data.

Salvador argued the cameras allow pattern analysis of movement that can be used to build profiles and that law-enforcement access to databases has been used during protests in other cities. He urged the council not to install or allow Flock cameras on city poles and said he would provide links and materials to the council.

Mayor Backus suggested Salvador submit materials to the city clerk for distribution to the council. The council did not take action on the topic at the meeting; no staff report or policy proposal on Flock cameras was presented.