Judge orders police to release surveillance camera data
5 days ago
- #Privacy
- #Public Records
- #Surveillance
- A Skagit County judge ruled that data from automated license plate readers (Flock cameras) must be made public under Washington's Public Records Act.
- The ruling came after a tattoo artist, Jose Rodriguez, sought access to the data, leading to a lawsuit by the cities of Sedro Woolley and Stanwood, which have since deactivated their Flock systems.
- Flock cameras indiscriminately photograph all passing vehicles and occupants, raising privacy concerns, as revealed by records showing images of everyday drivers, not just suspects.
- The judge found the surveillance scope 'so broad and indiscriminate' that the data must be released, though the ruling does not address other controversies around license plate readers.
- The case highlights oversight gaps, with concerns about who accesses the data, including federal agents possibly violating state law by using the system for immigration enforcement.
- Flock's software can identify vehicles by make/model, bumper stickers, dents, and roof racks, adding to privacy and surveillance concerns.