Full Breakdown
Lynnwood City Council Terminates Flock Safety Contract Amid Privacy Concerns
2/26/2026, 1:22:07 AM
Decision to End Surveillance Program
The Lynnwood City Council unanimously voted on Monday to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, a company that operates automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. This decision comes in response to growing public pressure and privacy concerns regarding the use of the surveillance technology, particularly its potential application in immigration enforcement. The council's vote was 7-0, marking Lynnwood as one of the first cities in Washington to cancel such an agreement after activating its cameras.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounding the Flock Safety cameras began shortly after their installation in June 2022. A report from the University of Washington revealed that out-of-state agencies had accessed Lynnwood's network, with at least 16 searches directly related to immigration enforcement. This raised alarms among community members, prompting calls for the council to act. Lynnwood Police Chief Cole Langdon initially intended to restrict access to in-state agencies; however, the nationwide lookup feature was inadvertently enabled for nine days, allowing extensive searches by out-of-state entities.
Community Response and Criticism
Community members expressed significant concerns regarding privacy violations associated with the Flock system. Activists from the group De-Flock Lynnwood and other residents urged the council to prioritize civil liberties over surveillance capabilities. Tyler Hall, a Lynnwood resident, emphasized the risks posed by corporate interests in data collection, stating, “These big public or private corporations do not have a vested interest in the city.” Conversely, some residents, like Riley Molenda, supported the use of the technology for law enforcement purposes, arguing that it could assist agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Official Statements and Future Considerations
In response to the council's decision, Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel asserted that the company does not have contracts with ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Protection and emphasized that local law enforcement retains control over data sharing. Despite the termination of the contract, Councilmember Isabel Mata noted that ALPR technology remains legal in Lynnwood, suggesting that the council may explore alternative systems in the future.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the council's decision reflects a consensus on privacy concerns, there are conflicting views regarding the utility of ALPR technology in crime prevention. Some council members and residents believe that the benefits of such systems may outweigh the risks, particularly in light of Lynnwood's ongoing budget deficit of $5 million. The financial implications of canceling the contract with Flock were not immediately clear.
What's Next
The city attorney plans to coordinate with the police chief and Flock representatives to determine the next steps for removing the cameras. Additionally, the council may consider future legislation regulating the use of ALPR technology, particularly in light of Senate Bill 6002, which is currently under consideration in the state legislature.
This decision by the Lynnwood City Council highlights the ongoing debate over surveillance technology and privacy rights, reflecting a growing trend among municipalities to reassess their relationships with surveillance providers in response to community concerns.
