Denver's controversial license plate reader extension rejected
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Denver City Council members on Monday unanimously rejected a contract extension for a license plate reader system used by Denver police after Mayor Mike Johnston's administration withdrew its support for the proposal.
Why it matters: The decision means an existing contract for 111 automated license plate readers (ALPR) won't be expanded for now.
Yes, but: The mayor's office in a statement said it plans to extend the current pilot program to continue using the software, noting it will create a task force and gather public feedback before moving forward.
The big picture: City council on Monday voted 12-0 against expanding the contract with Flock Group Inc.
- The devices photograph and store images in a database owned by Denver police for at least 30 days. They are currently installed at 70 locations citywide.
Between the lines: Johnston's administration, which had initially backed the contract extension, dropped support and requested on Monday that council members oppose it.
What they're saying: "We acknowledge that today's environment is much different than when the pilot began in early 2024, and there are new community concerns surrounding this technology," a spokesperson for the mayor's office said in a statement.
State of play: Denver police said the system can help pinpoint license plates that are flagged as wanted by local and state law enforcement agencies.
- The agency and the mayor's office credit the use of ALPRs for helping reduce car thefts in the city.
The intrigue: The devices raised concerns about surveillance at a time when the Trump administration has used data stored by multiple federal agencies to target immigrants for deportation.
- Council members worry the data gathered by the cameras could be used by other police departments, including those working closely with federal immigration authorities.
- The system's capabilities — the device can detect a vehicle's make and model — also raised alarms.
What they're saying: Denver police on Monday declined to comment.
Context: Monday's decision means $666,000 won't be added to an existing contract with Flock Group Inc., which would have extended the agreement by two years.
- The initial contract started a pilot program last year to install and use the system.
What's next: It's unclear how the program will move forward after the current contract lapses.