Washington Court Rules Flock Safety Camera Images Are Public Records

SEATTLE, Washington — November 20, 2025 — A Washington state court has determined that images captured by automated license plate readers operated by private companies like Flock Safety qualify as public records and must be accessible under the state’s public records laws. The ruling marks a significant development in transparency and public access to surveillance data collected through partnerships between law enforcement and private vendors.

The court’s decision clarifies that even when license plate images are stored and managed by third-party companies rather than directly by government agencies, the data remains subject to disclosure requirements. Officials said the ruling could affect how municipalities and law enforcement agencies handle requests for information gathered from automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

Flock Safety, a company that provides camera systems designed to capture license plate information to assist in crime prevention and investigation, has contracts with numerous law enforcement agencies across the country. The court’s ruling addresses the question of whether images stored by such companies are exempt from public records laws due to their private ownership.

According to authorities, the court found that because the images are collected at the direction of government entities and serve public functions, they fall within the scope of public records. This interpretation aligns with the principle that government agencies cannot evade transparency obligations by outsourcing data storage or processing to private firms.

The ruling follows a growing national debate over the use of ALPR technology, which captures license plate numbers and associated images, often in real time, to track vehicles for law enforcement purposes. Critics have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of the data, while proponents argue the technology aids in solving crimes and enhancing public safety.

By affirming that ALPR images are public records, the court’s decision enables greater public oversight and accountability regarding how such surveillance data is collected, stored, and used. It also sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues involving private vendors and government-held data.

Legal experts noted that the ruling could prompt agencies to review their contracts with private companies to ensure compliance with public records laws. It may also encourage lawmakers to consider clearer statutory guidelines on the management and disclosure of ALPR data.

The court did not exempt any specific categories of images or information from disclosure, though standard privacy protections and exemptions under the state’s public records act may still apply on a case-by-case basis. Officials emphasized that the ruling does not mandate the release of all data indiscriminately but reinforces the public’s right to request and obtain records related to government activities.

This decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of surveillance technologies and data privacy concerns nationwide. As more jurisdictions adopt ALPR systems, the ruling highlights the importance of balancing law enforcement objectives with transparency and civil liberties.

Washington state agencies and Flock Safety have yet to announce any immediate changes to their policies following the court’s ruling. However, the decision is expected to influence ongoing discussions about data governance and public access to information collected through modern surveillance tools.

The ruling underscores the evolving legal landscape surrounding technology, privacy, and government transparency, signaling that courts may continue to hold public agencies accountable for data collected through private partnerships.