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Residents and council members press for transparency as city renews plate-reader contract
Summary
Public commenters and skeptical council members urged stronger transparency and public reporting on Flock Safety's ALPR system; council approved the renewal but required quarterly audits and public disclosure elements be developed.
Public comment at the meeting included pointed criticism of the city's use of license-plate readers and calls for broader transparency. James Golden Lee, a resident who identified himself during public comment, said, "Flock cameras don't help nobody except the cops," and urged oversight and community access to information about the system.
Several council members acknowledged constituent concerns and pushed for clear policies on access, retention and third-party sharing. One council member asked that any outside entity requesting data have that request disclosed to the public following the conclusion of the outside investigation. Motion language approved by the council directed staff to draft a public-facing audit cadence and spelled out that any expansion beyond current camera counts or capabilities would require future council approval.
The council vote approved the renewal while charging staff to develop reporting and misuse-penalty language. Supporters argued the system helps solve burglaries and recover property; opponents and some residents urged sharper guardrails to prevent misuse and to ensure transparency.
