Denver Mulls Replacing Flock, but Alternatives Raise Similar Concerns

Axon and Motorola are expected to compete for the city's license plate surveillance contract as Flock faces trust issues.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Denver's contract with license plate surveillance vendor Flock expires, the city is considering alternative options like Axon and Motorola. However, security experts warn that these competitors offer similar data-collecting systems that raise privacy concerns. The search for a replacement comes after months of controversy over Flock's data-sharing practices and its undisclosed partnership with Border Patrol.

Why it matters

The choice of a new license plate surveillance vendor is crucial for Denver, as the technology raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns. The city must balance public safety needs with protecting citizen data from misuse or unauthorized access.

The details

Flock and its competitors like Axon and Motorola offer automated license plate reader systems that can livestream video, determine a vehicle's make, model, and color, and do more than just read license plates. Security researcher Benn Jordan says these systems are designed for broad data collection, not just plate reading, and that the companies "make money off of data." Jordan is skeptical that switching vendors will address the core issues, as Axon and Motorola offer similar capabilities.

  • Denver's contract with Flock expires at the end of March 2026.
  • The city has issued an informal request for proposals, with Axon and Motorola expected to compete for the new contract.

The players

Flock

A license plate surveillance vendor whose contract with Denver is expiring. Flock faced controversy over its data-sharing practices and undisclosed partnership with Border Patrol.

Axon

A competitor to Flock that is expected to bid on Denver's new license plate surveillance contract.

Motorola

Another competitor to Flock that is expected to bid on Denver's new license plate surveillance contract.

Benn Jordan

A security technology researcher who has documented security vulnerabilities in Flock's system and is skeptical that switching vendors will address the core issues.

Amanda Sandoval

The Denver City Council President who said the Flock CEO "lied to my face" about the company's partnership with Border Patrol.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wouldn't see moving to Axon as an improvement from Flock Safety.”

— Benn Jordan, Security technology researcher (9NEWS)

“I had an apology email from the CEO of Flock because he lied to my face.”

— Amanda Sandoval, Denver City Council President (9NEWS)

What’s next

The Denver City Council will need to approve any new contract for license plate surveillance technology, presenting a significant hurdle given the council's vocal opposition to Flock.

The takeaway

Denver's search for a new license plate surveillance vendor highlights the ongoing tension between public safety needs and protecting citizen privacy. While the city may switch from Flock to competitors like Axon or Motorola, security experts warn that these alternatives raise similar concerns about broad data collection and the potential misuse of personal information.