Renton: ALPR cameras to be removed after contract lapses

The city of Renton is removing 24 automated license plate recognition cameras installed at major intersections. Mayor Armondo Pavone confirmed on October 26 that the municipality will not renew its agreement with Flock Safety after the current term expires on November 2. This decision follows a period of intense public scrutiny and internal debate among city leaders.

Councilmember Carmen Rivera requested a formal announcement regarding the contract status after learning of the non-renewal plan. Rivera noted that residents frequently raised concerns about the technology during community events. She described the issue as bipartisan, stating that worries about Flock appeared consistently in conversations with voters at local picnics. Rivera emphasized that the public had been waiting for an official statement on the future of the system.

City attorney Shane Moloney informed the council on October 21 that the Renton Police Department issued a notice of non-renewal. This notice prevented the contract from automatically extending past the November 2 deadline. Pavone explained that he lacks the authority to sign new agreements without a specific council vote. The council had previously voted against a motion to not renew the contract during an August 10 meeting. Several members preferred to wait for a police orientation on the cameras before making a final decision.

The Flock cameras have been inactive since May 4, 2026. On July 22, the council voted to reactivate other automated systems, including Axon in-car units and Genetec parking enforcement cameras, while keeping the Flock units offline. By August 3, the council authorized placing covers over all 24 Flock cameras. Pavone stated that the physical units will be taken down immediately after the contract expires on November 2.

Renton Police reported that the Flock system cost the city $80,000 annually. Unlike school-zone or red-light cameras, these units did not generate revenue for the municipality. The department entered into the initial contract with Flock Safety in November 2024 to install the stationary devices. While the city-owned cameras are being removed, private individuals and businesses can still operate their own Flock cameras on their properties through separate agreements.

Washington State Senate Bill 6002 established rules for how agencies collect and retain automated license plate data. However, Flock’s website states that the law does not prevent private entities from voluntarily sharing information with police. The company also claims that government agencies can access data from privately owned cameras using a warrant or court order. Public Information Officer Meeghan Black said the police department does not track the locations of these private cameras. She explained that businesses using the technology are on private property and are not required to report their positions to the city.