Colorado Police Swapped Surveillance Camera Providers
Multiple agencies have transitioned from Flock Safety systems to Axon license plate readers.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Police departments across Colorado, including Denver and Douglas County, have transitioned their license plate reader technology to Axon. This move follows ongoing community concerns regarding surveillance privacy and data management.
Why it matters
Agencies are pivoting to new providers as public pushback against surveillance grows. By integrating plate data with existing video infrastructure, departments seek more streamlined oversight.
Flock Safety systems are utilized by over 5,000 agencies and recommend a seven-day data retention period. Law enforcement agencies are currently finalizing internal audit protocols for the new Axon integrations.
The players
Flock Safety
This is a technology company that provides automated license plate readers used by thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Axon
This corporation is a global provider of public safety technology, including body-worn cameras and digital evidence management software.
The details
The transition involves shifting from Flock Safety equipment to Axon systems that link license plate data directly with body-worn and dashboard cameras. Axon now requires officers to select an offense category before performing any data search, a feature designed to enhance oversight and transparency.
Timeline
The transition of surveillance camera providers in Colorado is occurring throughout 2026.
Legal Context
This transition aligns with a national trend of local law enforcement agencies adopting more restrictive data governance policies to address civil liberty concerns. By moving to platforms with integrated audit logs, departments are attempting to standardize search practices in response to public scrutiny.
Residents in cities like Denver and Durango may see changes in how their local department manages automated vehicle data. These new systems prioritize administrator review and digital audit trails to address ongoing community privacy concerns.
The takeaway
The move to Axon signifies a shift toward more centralized and audited surveillance infrastructure within Colorado police departments. Citizens can expect increased reporting and categorization requirements for data searches as agencies aim to balance public safety with privacy expectations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Law Enforcement throughout the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rocky Mountain PBS.
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