Overview
- City Council approved the $150,000 contract Tuesday in a 7–6 vote, authorizing 50 Axon license plate reader cameras to replace the Flock system.
- Denver Police decommissioned Flock earlier Tuesday after privacy complaints that included reported data sharing with other cities and immigration enforcement.
- The Axon deal reduces the footprint and tightens controls with fewer cameras, a 21-day data retention limit, explicit city data ownership, and no vendor pooling or selling of data.
- Police say the tool helps recover stolen cars and solve violent crimes, citing 446 vehicle recoveries, 528 arrests, and 63 firearms seized since summer 2024, plus contributions to many 2025 homicide and shooting cases.
- Opponents from the city’s Surveillance Task Force and community groups urged a no vote and want a surveillance ordinance, while council leaders said they will pursue rules and can cancel the contract if concerns persist.