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Resident warns Aspen council that Flock ALPR cameras could threaten civil liberties
Summary
A resident and former human-rights worker told the council that automatic license-plate reader (ALPR) company Flock retains and shares location-linked license-plate data in searchable databases, raising due-process and association concerns; city staff said Aspen is only in an exploratory phase.
Katia Glombos, who said she worked for a human-rights organization, told the council she was alarmed by reports that the Aspen Police Department might deploy Flock automatic license-plate readers.
"Flock stores this information in a searchable database," Glombos said. "This information includes license plate number, make, model, and other identifying features like dents or bumper stickers...Then this information goes into a database that is searchable by police stations, usually outside of your local police station." She said she was concerned that searches of the database do not require a warrant and could enable tracking of lawful assembly or religious attendance.
City staff responded that Aspen has had conversations with other communities that have adjusted contracts or chosen different providers; the city has not entered a contract and is taking a targeted, cautious approach. A county or intergovernmental group will meet before the end of the month to plan economic and operational impacts of the airport closure and related infrastructure conversations. The council took no formal action on ALPR vendors at this meeting; staff said they will continue to vet data-use and retention questions before proceeding.
