Boulder police stop sharing license plate data with ICE-linked network
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Until June, Boulder police shared license plate data with a national network accessed by U.S. Border Patrol and other ICE-linked agencies, according to records newly reviewed by the Boulder Reporting Lab.
Why it matters: As license plate reading systems have spread in Boulder County and beyond, they have sparked concerns about mass surveillance and invasion of privacy, particularly in connection with immigration enforcement.
Driving the news: The Boulder Reporting Lab newly reported that up until June, the city's data was searchable via Flock's national network, something Boulder police have also publicly acknowledged.
- Boulder resident Will Freeman, founder of the advocacy group Deflock, brought up the issue with City Council in January, prompting a line of inquiry between council members and the police department about the sharing policy.
State of play: Boulder police on their website said they now block non-Colorado agencies from using the lookup feature.
- The department also instituted a feature that blocks data searches "for reasons that violate Colorado law and/or department's internal policies and commitment to the Boulder community, such as searches for reasons relating to immigration."
- Boulder police have since added a list of the Colorado agencies that have access to their Flock data.
What they're saying: "I am a firm believer in using technology to solve and reduce crime, and to work smarter and safer in doing so," Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn told Axios Boulder. "We will continue to monitor all technology, solicit and listen to feedback, and, as needed, pivot and make changes."
How it works: Flock Safety's Automated License Plate Recognition system reads license plate numbers, along with make, model, color and other identifying details.
- Boulder police on their Flock transparency dashboard said they have 30 license plate cameras in the city, with the first being installed in 2022.
- Boulder police said they have seen a 34.5% reduction in car thefts since the cameras were installed and credited the system with helping identify suspects in a 2022 homicide and the fiery Pearl Street attack in June.
The bottom line: Flock camera data could play a big part in Colorado's ongoing feud with the federal government over ICE activity in the state.