In response to ongoing privacy concerns around the use of license plate readers (LPRs), Denver's municipal government has stepped up with new, stricter regulations. In a recent statement, Mayor Mike Johnston announced a significant policy shift aimed at restricting LPR data access and ensuring compliance with state and local laws. Flock Safety, the city's LPR technology provider, has assented to the changes, which include a five-month, no-cost contract extension for further assessment of these measures.
The Denver Government's announcement outlines that effective immediately, LPR data will only be shared with law enforcement agencies that sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Denver, agreeing to specific terms, including a ban on data sharing for civil immigration purposes. Federal agents are barred from searching the city's LPR data, even as part of a Denver task force.
As Mayor Johnston asserted, "In Denver, we believe you can be a city that is just as tough on fighting crime as it is protecting someone’s civil liberties," as per the City and County of Denver. He emphasized Flock's cooperation in designing a Denver-specific system to utilize technology for the community's benefit, while maintaining transparency. Flock Safety has faced potential consequences for any misuse of data, with penalties up to $100,000 and the possibility of canceled contracts.
