Residents want AI-powered surveillance out of Renton! Each week, Renton’s Council Chambers become more crowded as residents voice growing concerns about the city’s contracts with Flock Safety, Axon, and Genetec for AI-powered automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Public concerns include:
- ALPRs unconstitutionally and warrantlessly track our location, even if we are not suspected of a crime.
- ALPRs are not backed by any data that supports their intended purpose to prevent and solve crime. Renton’s Chief of Police has confirmed that the city has no statistics to support the use of AI-powered ALPRs.
- Renton’s Flock Safety contract alone costs our taxpayers over $88,000 per year despite having no statistics to support this expense.
- Local law enforcement does not have full control over ALPR data storage or usage, although law enforcement falsely claims that they do.
- ALPRs have repeatedly been misused by law enforcement for personal reasons (including stalking and harassment), unlawful immigration enforcement, surveilling dissenters, and criminalizing abortion.
Renton’s Flock cameras are currently turned off, but the city council has attempted to turn them back on.
DeFlock Renton is committed to continuing advocacy efforts to ensure these cameras stay off and end any contracts for AI-powered ALPRs in Renton.
DeFlock Renton 