The Denver City Council decided against extending the contract for about 100 license-plate readers throughout the city Monday amid concerns about the system creating a mass-surveillance network.
But the cameras, which are perched at about 70 intersections throughout Denver, will stay up through at least the end of the year.
The city installed the cameras in 2024 as part of a pilot program attempting to reduce car thefts in the state. The system, which photographs nearly 2 million cars per month, has led to about 170 vehicle recoveries and 300 arrests since then. Law enforcement can also use the photos to help solve other crimes, like homicides and hit-and-runs.
The pilot program, originally scheduled to end in February, will continue despite the unanimous “no” vote from the City Council, said Jordan Fuja, a spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnston.
“We estimate there is enough unspent funding in that contract that it will be able to last through the end of the year,” she said.
The new contract would have extended the program for two more years, adding $666,000 to the agreement with Flock, the company that installs the license-plate scanners. Denver has paid Flock about $339,000 for its services to date.
The scanners take photos of every car that passes through the covered intersections. If a plate matches one listed as stolen or involved with a crime, the Denver Police Department is notified of the location within about 15 seconds. The photos are stored for 30 days unless they are flagged as part of an investigation.
Council members and members of the public have voiced concerns over what could happen if law enforcement officers or the federal government misused the information in some way.
“We know that it can help solve crime,” Councilman Kevin Flynn said. “But I think since maybe Jan. 20 of this year, those concerns are greatly heightened and have a new reality about them.”
Flynn was referencing the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has promised to carry out mass deportations of immigrants who are in this country illegally.
Other agencies beyond the Denver Police Department have access to the data, including some that cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Those who use the information have to attest that they won’t pass it along to ICE, said Denver police Cmdr. Jacob Herrera.
Johnston’s office proposed the two-year contract extension in March but ultimately asked the council to reject the contract extension Monday, following backlash from residents.
“We acknowledge that today’s environment is much different than when the pilot began in early 2024,” Fuja said in a written statement.
The cameras are “a critical component” in the city’s efforts to reduce auto thefts, according to the statement.
Over the next year, city officials plan to convene a task force to address the concerns, Fuja said. That could mean tweaking the contract or approving new policies to further address concerns. The council would have to agree to extend the contract for the cameras to stay up past this year.
“(We) look forward to continuing conversations with the community to discuss public safety benefits and ensure that we are addressing privacy and security concerns,” according to the statement.
The council was originally set to consider the resolution April 14, but the mayor’s office postponed it to answer council members’ questions, council spokesman Robert Austin said.
Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
Originally Published:
