Title
Flock Automated License Plate Reader Camera Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Flock Automated License Plate Reader Cameras.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Flock Automated License Plate Reader Cameras.
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief
Paul Frailey, Police Lieutenant
Background and Analysis:
In 2024, the Olympia Police Department (OPD) received a Department of Commerce grant to expand the use of technology in addressing auto theft and related crimes, including robbery, organized retail theft, and burglary. With this funding, OPD selected Flock Safety as the vendor to deploy Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) at strategic locations throughout the city.
In May 2025, the City of Olympia and Flock Group, Inc. executed Amendment No. 1 to the Master Services Agreement to strengthen privacy protections and legal safeguards regarding data use and disclosure. The amendment explicitly states:
"Flock may access, use, preserve, and/or disclose the Footage to law enforcement authorities, government officials, and/or third parties only if legally required to do so or as authorized by the Customer in writing. If Flock determines that such disclosure is legally required, Flock shall notify the Customer prior to disclosure, if possible, or as soon thereafter as notification can reasonably be provided.
Except as necessary to address security, privacy, fraud, or technical issues of Flock's operating system, Flock shall not access, use, or preserve Customer Data...without prior written consent of the Customer."
This agreement ensures that Flock cannot access or disclose Olympia's data without the City's written authorization or a valid legal mandate. Any agency seeking to view Olympia data must submit a request that is reviewed an...
Click here for full text