Renton to Remove 24 Flock Safety Cameras After Contract Expiry
The city is letting its agreement with the surveillance firm lapse, a move that follows months of public debate and a halt to camera operations earlier this year.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Residents of Renton will no longer be monitored by the city's network of automated license plate recognition cameras starting November 3, 2026. The city council confirmed on October 26 that it will not renew its agreement with Flock Safety. The current contract expires on November 2, and city officials stated they will remove the hardware once that date passes.
Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone noted that he lacks the authority to sign a new deal without council approval. The council previously voted against a motion to terminate the contract early during an August 10 meeting. That decision came after council members requested more time to review police training materials regarding the technology. The department provided a virtual orientation on August 27.
The financial impact of the system was a point of discussion during that training. Renton Police reported that the Flock cameras cost the city $80,000 annually. Unlike school zone or red light cameras, these units do not generate revenue for the municipal budget.
Councilmember Carmen Rivera pushed for a formal public announcement regarding the contract's status. She said she had been informally notified that the city would not renew the deal. Rivera described the issue as bipartisan, citing frequent requests from community members for clarification on the future of the cameras.
City Attorney Shane Moloney informed the council on October 21 that the police department had sent a notice of non-renewal to Flock. This action prevented the contract from automatically extending. The cameras have been offline since May 4, 2026. In July, the council voted to reactivate other ALPR systems in police and parking enforcement vehicles while keeping the Flock units dark. On August 3, the council voted to place physical covers on all 24 Flock cameras.
The city installed the 24 stationary cameras at major intersections in November 2024. While the municipal units will be taken down, private entities can still purchase and operate Flock cameras on their own property. Public Information Officer Meeghan Black said the police department does not know the locations of these private cameras because businesses are not required to report them.
Washington State Senate Bill 6002 limits how government agencies can collect and share ALPR data. However, Flock's website states that the law does not restrict private companies from voluntarily sharing data with police. The company also notes that agencies can access private camera data through a warrant or court order.
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