Denver Considers Replacing Flock Surveillance Camera System

City begins accepting bids from other providers to operate surveillance network

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The City and County of Denver is looking to replace its current Flock surveillance camera system and is now accepting bids from other providers to operate the city's network of cameras. A city spokesperson stated that the chosen provider will be evaluated on factors like data retention, information sharing, and access limitations, with the goal of balancing public safety and privacy concerns.

Why it matters

Denver's use of the Flock automated license plate reading system has been controversial, with debates over the technology's impact on civil liberties. The city is now seeking a new provider that can better address these concerns while still providing law enforcement with a crime-fighting tool.

The details

According to a city spokesperson, Denver is fielding bids from other companies to take over the operation of its surveillance camera network. The chosen provider will need to comply with strict requirements around data handling and access. This process follows months of collaboration between the Mayor's Office, City Council, privacy experts, law enforcement, and community members.

  • The city is expected to submit a contract for City Council approval in the coming weeks.
  • Denver Mayor Mike Johnston extended the city's contract with Flock in October 2025.

The players

Jon Ewing

A spokesperson for the City and County of Denver.

Mike Johnston

The Mayor of Denver, who has defended the Flock surveillance system as an essential crime-fighting tool.

Flock

The nation's leading operator of automated license-plate reading systems, whose technology has been used in Denver.

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What they’re saying

“The chosen provider will be weighed on several factors and will be required to comply with an exhaustive list of expectations regarding data retention, information sharing, and access limitations. This process is the result of months of collaboration between the Mayor's Office, Council, privacy experts, and law enforcement, as well as community feedback.”

— Jon Ewing, City Spokesperson (denver7.com)

“In Denver, we believe you can be a city that is just as tough on fighting crime as it is protecting someone's civil liberties.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor (denver7.com)

What’s next

The city is expected to announce a new provider once a contract is selected and approved by the City Council in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Denver's move to replace its Flock surveillance system highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and privacy concerns. The city is seeking a new provider that can balance these priorities through stricter data and access controls, reflecting the evolving debate around the use of surveillance technology in urban areas.