Denver Town Hall on License Plate Readers Set for 6 PM Tonight

URGENT UPDATE: A pivotal community meeting is scheduled for 6 PM tonight in Denver to address the contentious issue of Flock cameras, a type of license plate reader that has raised significant privacy concerns among residents. Organized by local neighborhood associations and supported by groups such as the ACLU of Colorado and the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, this town hall aims to amplify community voices regarding surveillance practices.

The meeting takes place at 2650 E 40th Ave, Denver, where residents will have the opportunity to express their views on the recently extended Flock contract, which Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced this morning. This extension includes a provision prohibiting the sharing of data with federal agencies, a point of contention for many community members concerned about surveillance impacts.

Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, a city councilmember at-large, emphasized the importance of community input: “Hearing from our community members who are the very subject of this surveillance is incredibly important.” She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, especially following past data breaches involving sensitive information.

Councilmember Sarah Parady also voiced her shock over the mayor’s unilateral decision to extend the contract without fully considering community feedback. “It’s not been a very democratic process,” she said, urging that the task force, formed to address these surveillance issues, should have been consulted more thoroughly.

Concerns are heightened as local groups report feeling alarmed by requests to approve permits for additional Flock cameras in their neighborhoods. “Some of our neighborhood groups became alarmed when they got asked to approve permits for new Flock cameras,” Parady stated.

The town hall will serve as a crucial platform for residents to discuss their fears and suggestions regarding the use of license plate readers. This gathering is expected to draw significant attendance and could influence future decisions about surveillance technology in Denver.

Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions as the city navigates the balance between security and privacy. The outcome of this meeting could have lasting implications for community trust and the governance of surveillance technologies in urban spaces.

Stay tuned for updates as this critical discussion unfolds tonight.