Renton Removes Flock Cameras After Contract Expires
City officials confirmed the 24 automated license plate recognition units will be taken down in November, ending a controversial surveillance program.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
Renton City Council members confirmed on Oct. 26 that the city will not renew its agreement with Flock Safety. The contract for the Automated License Plate Recognition system expires on Nov. 2. Mayor Armondo Pavone stated he lacks the authority to sign a new deal without council approval. The city will dismantle the hardware once the current term ends.
The decision follows a series of administrative steps that began in the summer. On Aug. 10, the council voted against a motion to formally end the agreement. Several members wanted to wait until the police department finished training officers on the technology. That orientation took place via Zoom on Aug. 27. City attorney Shane Moloney told the council on Oct. 21 that the police sent a notice of non-renewal to Flock. This action prevented the contract from rolling over automatically.
The physical cameras have been inactive for months. The city powered them down on May 4. On July 22, council members voted to reactivate other in-car and parking enforcement cameras while keeping the Flock units off. They voted to install covers on the Flock equipment on Aug. 3. Pavone confirmed the units will be removed from their poles after the contract date passes.
Councilmember Carmen Rivera requested a formal public announcement after learning of the non-renewal plan. Rivera noted that community members raised the issue at weekly council meetings. She described the topic as a bipartisan concern that surfaced at local events. Councilmember Ruth Pérez cited the legal notification from the city attorney as the basis for the final decision.
Renton Police Department officials provided cost data during the August orientation. The Flock system cost the city $80,000 annually. Unlike school zone or red light cameras, the Flock units did not generate revenue. The police contracted with Flock Safety in Nov. 2024 to install 24 stationary cameras at major intersections. Public Information Officer Meeghan Black said the department does not know where private individuals have installed similar cameras on their own property.
Washington Senate Bill 6002 regulates how public agencies collect and share license plate data. However, Flock Safety notes on its website that the law does not stop private entities from voluntarily sharing information with police. The company also claims agencies can access private camera data with a warrant or court order. Black said businesses using private cameras are not required to report their locations to the city.
The city will remove the public-owned cameras in November. Private Flock cameras will remain in operation if their owners maintain personal contracts with the company.
