Stanwood, Sedro-Woolley appeal Flock public records decision

EVERETT — The cities of Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley are appealing a judge’s recent decision that Flock camera footage is subject to public records requests.

The cities filed the appeal Thursday, court records show. The case will now go to the state’s Court of Appeals.

Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate readers that use artificial intelligence to analyze vehicle footage. Many law enforcement agencies across the country have implemented the technology as an investigative tool to help locate stolen vehicles and missing persons.

Earlier this year, Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley received separate public records requests for Flock camera footage from Oregon resident Jose Rodriguez. In light of the requests, the cities decided to together seek a judgment in Skagit County Superior Court that Flock footage is either not public record or exempt from the Public Records Act for privacy reasons.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-sedro-woolley-appeal-flock-public-records-decision/