Public outrage grows against Johnston over Flock contract renewal
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Mayor Mike Johnston on Sept. 15. Photo: RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
The controversy over Denver police's contract with license plate reader system Flock ignited public outrage this week, with residents and Denver City Council members demanding the cameras be shut down immediately.
The big picture: Mayor Mike Johnston's unilateral decision Wednesday to renew a contract with the Flock coincided with a town hall that drew more than 250 animated attendees, who loudly berated Johnston's staff.
Why it matters: The community opposition highlights a fundamental disagreement over a tool Johnston's administration views as a vital public safety resource, one that risks straining his standing within City Hall and beyond it.
Catch up quick: Denver City Council in May unanimously rejected a contract extension with Flock to continue operating its 111 automated license plate readers amid concerns over its data gathering, access and storage as well as its possible ICE ties.
State of play: The same tension resurfaced Wednesday, when residents packed a town hall to protest what they see as mass surveillance, potential 4th Amendment violations and mayoral overreach.
- The Flock contract extensions did not require council approval because it was less than $500,000.
Context: The public suggested the guardrails added to the contract are insufficient to keep people's private information secure, prevent misuse or prevent use by federal immigration agencies.
- New stipulations include $100,000 fines for breaches or improper data release and limiting crime search terms, including banning queries for immigration or reproductive health care.
Between the lines: Johnston's decision reignites familiar criticism from other elected officials that he lacks transparency — a complaint now echoed by members of the public.
- Councilmember Shontel Lewis likened Johnston to a king on Wednesday, while Councilmember Sarah Parady called the renewal a "backdoor deal" in an email from her office.
What they're saying: "We don't need a king of Denver to make decisions for us," Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation organizer Katie Leonard said Wednesday.
- "Quit doing this behind closed doors and come out and debate this in the public forum," East Colfax Neighborhood Association president John McKinney said.
The other side: Tim Hoffman, the mayor's policy director, defended Johnston's approach, pushing back at suggestions the system's "passive" collection of images doesn't constitute mass surveillance.
- At a separate public event, some attendees expressed support for Flock, Hoffman said.
- Councilmember Kevin Flynn issued a statement backing the new contract, adding, "We can boost safety while ensuring the data is restricted."
The intrigue: Denver police is currently the only agency with access to its database. DPD commander Jacob Herrera said 600 to 800 users have access.
- Police say the system helps them with investigating crimes. The cameras take about 2 million images each month, Parady said at Wednesday's meeting.
What's next: The new contract runs through March 31.