Use of Flock Safety cameras growing across western Washington, raising privacy concerns

The adoption of Flock Safety camera systems is on the rise in western Washington, with cities like Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Auburn, and Normandy Park leading the way. Normandy Park's use of two cameras along First Ave, installed in August 2024, has significantly aided police in identifying stolen vehicles. Chief Dan Yourkoski remarked on the cameras' effectiveness in generating leads for investigations. These systems automatically capture license plate images and match them against databases containing vehicles of interest, alerting law enforcement to potential threats. While the technology enhances public safety, it raises privacy concerns regarding data retention and access rights.

Flock Safety claims their cameras focus solely on vehicles, not individuals, to mitigate privacy issues. Nonetheless, cities are implementing regulations to address public concerns, with over 5,000 communities now utilizing these systems. The balance between safety and privacy remains a critical topic as technology continues to evolve in law enforcement.