Denver's License Plate Camera Vendor Switch: A Tale of Trust and Transparency
The City of Denver is set to part ways with Flock Safety, the controversial license plate camera vendor, after months of scrutiny and a breakdown in trust. This decision comes as a result of several factors, including the company's handling of data and its relationships with federal agencies.
The Trust Issue
The relationship between Denver and Flock Safety took a turn for the worse when 9NEWS revealed that Flock had placed the city's tracking data on a national network accessible to law enforcement, including the Border Patrol. This discovery sparked concerns about the company's data handling practices and its potential impact on public safety.
A Series of Revelations
Flock CEO Garrett Langley initially denied any federal contracts, but later, through public records, it was uncovered that the Loveland Police Department was sharing access to its Flock camera data with Border Patrol agents. This pilot program was undisclosed, and it raised questions about the company's transparency and data sharing practices.
Council's Displeasure
City Councilmember Sarah Parady expressed her dissatisfaction with Flock's contradictory statements, stating, 'It's just like another card in the stack of why we need to turn these things off.' The council's displeasure was evident at a January 28 meeting, where they were not forgiving of Flock's previous actions.
A Request for Proposals
Despite the controversy, Mayor Mike Johnston's office issued an informal request for proposals, seeking bids for the surveillance camera contract. This move indicates a shift in direction, as Johnston had previously defended the cameras as essential for public safety and bypassed City Council approval to extend Denver's contract with Flock twice.
The Selection Process
The mayor's office emphasized that the chosen provider will be evaluated based on various factors, including data retention, information sharing, and access limitations. The city aims to have a new vendor in place with no lapse in service, ensuring a smooth transition from Flock's contract expiration.
Competing Companies
Axon and Motorola are expected to compete for the contract, as there are only a few companies that deploy automated license plate reading systems. The selection process will consider past performance and the companies' ability to meet the city's stringent expectations.
The Way Forward
The informal request for proposals is a result of extensive collaboration between the administration, City Council, privacy experts, law enforcement, and community feedback. The city aims to make an informed decision, prioritizing public safety and transparency in its choice of a new license plate camera vendor.
