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Denver Approves $6.9M ALPR Expansion Amid Privacy Debate

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ves-6-9m-alpr-expansion-amid-privacy-debate.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 19:50 GMT by The Denver Post
      Locales: Colorado, UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - February 17th, 2026 - The Denver City Council voted 10-3 on Monday to approve a $6.9 million, five-year contract to significantly expand its network of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, utilizing data from multiple vendors. The decision follows a period of debate centered on balancing public safety with potential privacy implications and ensuring fair competition in the bidding process.

The city has been incrementally deploying Flock cameras - a leading brand in ALPR technology - for several years, primarily in targeted areas experiencing higher crime rates. This new contract represents a substantial scaling up of that effort, promising broader city-wide coverage and a more robust data collection capability for the Denver Police Department (DPD). While proponents argue this expansion is vital for crime investigation and suspect identification, critics raise concerns about potential overreach, data security, and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Initially, the city administration favored awarding the contract to a single vendor, Hayden Enterprises. However, protests from competing ALPR providers prompted council members to reconsider and request a more open bidding process. Councilwoman Kendra Lipsky, a key figure in the shift, emphasized the importance of fostering competition. "We need to be sure that we have multiple options to ensure we're getting the best deal and maintaining accountability," she stated. The multi-vendor approach, Lipsky believes, will not only potentially reduce costs but also prevent any single company from monopolizing the city's access to critical law enforcement data.

ALPR technology works by scanning license plates of vehicles and storing the data - including the plate number, date, time, and location - in a searchable database. This information can then be used to assist in a variety of investigations, from locating stolen vehicles and identifying suspects in hit-and-run accidents to aiding in the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants. The DPD has reported success using existing cameras in solving crimes, fueling arguments in favor of the expansion.

However, the potential for misuse and the erosion of privacy remain significant concerns. Councilwoman Thorne voiced strong opposition, arguing the technology risks over-policing, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. "This technology has the potential to be abused and can contribute to over-policing," Thorne stated. "I am concerned that the privacy and civil liberties of our residents are not being adequately protected." She and other critics point to the potential for tracking citizens' movements, creating a 'surveillance state', and the risk of data breaches.

The approved contract attempts to address these concerns by including provisions for data security and usage limitations. These provisions reportedly outline strict guidelines for accessing and storing ALPR data, limiting its use to legitimate law enforcement purposes, and establishing protocols for data retention and deletion. However, some council members remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these safeguards and called for more robust independent oversight.

The expansion of ALPR technology in Denver reflects a national trend. Cities across the United States are increasingly turning to these systems as a tool for crime prevention and investigation. However, this trend has also sparked a growing debate about the balance between security and civil liberties. Legal challenges have been mounted in several jurisdictions, questioning the constitutionality of widespread ALPR deployment without adequate safeguards.

Looking ahead, the DPD will be responsible for implementing the expanded network and adhering to the terms of the contract. The city council has indicated it will monitor the program's effectiveness and address any emerging privacy concerns. Furthermore, there's increasing pressure for greater transparency regarding the use of ALPR data and for the establishment of a citizen oversight committee to ensure accountability. The debate in Denver underscores the need for careful consideration of the ethical and legal implications of surveillance technologies as they become more pervasive in modern society. The city hopes to establish clear guidelines and build public trust in the use of this powerful - and potentially intrusive - technology.