Documented Incident
Renton City Council votes to physically cover Flock ALPR cameras citywide
Event: August 3, 2026 · First reported: August 6, 2026 · 5 sources
At its Aug. 3 meeting, the Renton, Washington, City Council voted to physically cover all Flock automated license plate recognition cameras in the city's jurisdiction. The cameras had already been switched off since the council paused all police ALPR use on May 4; on July 22 the council restored Axon in-car and Genetec parking enforcement ALPR while leaving Flock cameras off. Councilmember Kim-Khánh Văn, who made the motion, said she wants the cameras covered until they are removed or the council decides whether to renew the Flock contract. The motion passed with all councilmembers in favor except James Alberson, who called it unnecessary work that implied distrust of the police department.
Renton's decision shows a council responding to constituent doubts about whether a vendor-operated camera network is truly inactive when switched off — a verification question other cities weighing ALPR pauses may face.
Key facts
- Renton City Council voted Aug. 3, 2026, to cover all Flock ALPR cameras in the city; Councilmember James Alberson cast the only vote against.
- Flock cameras have been off since a May 4 council pause on all police ALPR use; Axon in-car and Genetec parking enforcement ALPR were reactivated July 22.
- Councilmember Văn said Flock cameras were initially turned off March 30 for compliance with Washington Senate Bill 6002, then turned back on without community notice.
- Councilmember Carmen Rivera said her concerns center on Flock as a data collection company rather than on the Renton Police Department; Councilmember Ryan McIrvin said he believes the cameras are off but cannot be certain data is inaccessible.
- The council also unanimously approved a motion for the city and police department to hold a public town hall briefing on Flock; no date has been announced.
Timeline
- August 6, 2026Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras
- August 6, 2026Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras | Mercer Island Reporter
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras (redmond-reporter.com, August 6, 2026)
- Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras | Mercer Island Reporter (mi-reporter.com, August 6, 2026)
- Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras | Bothell - Kenmore Reporter (bothell-reporter.com, August 6, 2026)
- Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras (auburn-reporter.com, August 6, 2026)
- Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras (kentreporter.com, August 6, 2026)
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About this record
BlockFlockNow documents reported incidents involving Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers: council votes, contract decisions, misuse by authorized users, lawsuits, audits, and community response. Every record is reviewed by a person before publication. New to the topic? Start with What is Flock?, find meetings near you, or learn how to request your town's camera records.
Updated August 17, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.