A recent ruling by a Skagit County Superior Court judge confirms that images captured by Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley are considered public records under Washington state law. This decision emphasizes the growing importance of transparency in surveillance technology used by local governments.

Judge Elizabeth Yost Neidzwski clarified that such images, even if stored by third-party vendors, must be disclosed if requested under the Public Records Act. This ruling responds to a case initiated by resident Jose Rodriguez, who sought access to one hour of Flock camera footage. Although the request was denied because the data had already auto-deleted after 30 days, the court’s decision sets a precedent for future transparency.

Experts highlight that this ruling aligns with broader concerns over privacy and government accountability. Digital rights advocate Beryl Lipton from the Electronic Frontier Foundation notes, “Allowing vendors to control access undermines citizens’ rights and hampers transparency.” The decision raises important questions about data retention policies, storage security, and access protocols, prompting local agencies to reconsider how surveillance data is managed.

This case underscores the tension between law enforcement needs and privacy rights, emphasizing the need for clear policies and safeguards. As cities adopt ALPR systems, understanding legal obligations around public records becomes crucial—especially when third-party vendors are involved.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.