This week, Denver City Council will make a decision that goes to the heart of a basic responsibility we all share: keeping our communities safe.
A Flock Safety license plate recognition camera is seen on a street light post on Ken Pratt Boulevard near the intersection with U.S. 287 in Longmont on Dec. 10, 2025. This week, Denver City Council will make a decision that goes to the heart of a basic responsibility we all share: keeping our communities safe.
to install 50 license plate reader cameras in high-traffic areas. These cameras help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes. Some in our community have raised concerns about privacy–and we should take those concerns seriously. As Denver council faces vote on new license plate cameras contract, distaste lingers for ‘this whole Flock era’ This contract includes some of the strongest privacy protections we’ve seen. The data belongs only to the City of Denver. It cannot be shared with outside agencies like DHS or ICE. And it is automatically deleted after just 21 days. These safeguards didn’t happen by accident--they are the result of months of careful work by city leaders, law enforcement, and independent experts. At the same time, we know this technology works. License plate readers were used in more than 40% of homicide investigations in Denver last year. They have helped recover stolen cars, take illegal firearms off our streets, locate missing children, and both confirm and eliminate suspects. Cities across the country--from New York City to San Diego—rely on them every day.We learned from that experience. After a thorough review, the city selected Axon, a company widely trusted for its strong security and accountability. Let’s also be clear about what these cameras do--and don’t do. They are aimed at public roads, capturing license plates that are already visible to anyone. Courts have consistently ruled there is no violation of privacy in those settings. Since taking office, Mayor Mike Johnston has overseen meaningful progress in reducing crime, with homicides and auto thefts both declining. License plate readers are not the only reason, but they are part of a broader strategy that is making a difference. At a time when fear and distrust can easily take hold, we have to stay grounded in reality. We cannot have police officers everywhere at all hours. But we can give them tools that act as extra “eyes”--helping them identify reckless drivers, track fleeing suspects, and respond more effectively to serious crimes. As Denver council faces vote on new license plate cameras contract, distaste lingers for ‘this whole Flock era’ Denver considers dropping Lime and Bird scooters for provider that promises cheaper rates, more ride options Sen. Ted Cruz pressures FAA to review $90 million — or more — in DIA grants over rejected Key Lime Air contractWesternaires end Native American dancing program after decades of Indigenous pushback If we expect safer streets, we have to give our law enforcement the tools to deliver them. Denver City Council should vote yes.Denver’s $1 billion road overhaul would cut space for cars, boost public transit and safety. Critics say it will make traffic worse. Denver's $1 billion road overhaul would cut space for cars, boost public transit and safety. Critics say it will make traffic worse.Colorado No Kings protests draw crowds across Denver, stateNuggets lose 4 forwards in a day to injuries while winning 6th straight2 children missing from Denver last seen Monday
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