Letter to the editor A Flock pause is not enough broken promises demand cancellation

The Lynnwood City Council paused its surveillance contract with Flock on November 10 due to significant community pushback. Local advocates for privacy argue that this pause is inadequate, insisting on a full cancellation of the contract and a redirection of funds towards community policing initiatives instead of mass surveillance. The Lynnwood Police Department (LPD) had previously promised that Flock would not be used for immigration enforcement, yet evidence reveals it was indeed misused for that purpose. Furthermore, public records indicate that many searches conducted through Flock included fake case numbers or lacked case numbers entirely, undermining accountability. The surveillance system also exposes taxpayers to considerable financial risk, as misread errors in other jurisdictions have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements.

Critics assert that the city needs to eliminate the surveillance network rather than simply improve its configuration. Residents can voice their concerns at the upcoming council meeting on November 24, emphasizing the need for privacy restoration. For more information, advocates encourage visiting DeFlockLynnwood. com.