Arvada Police Chief Moves to End License Plate Cameras
The department plans to discontinue the use of 16 Flock Safety cameras to address ongoing resident privacy concerns.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Arvada Police Chief Ed Brady has requested the removal of $24,000 in funding for Flock Safety automated license plate readers from the 2027 city budget. The department, which has used the 16 cameras since 2024, intends to pause the program to maintain public trust.
Why it matters
The decision stems from persistent questions regarding data usage and safeguards that the police department continues to receive from the public and city councilmembers. By cutting the program, leadership aims to address privacy apprehensions surrounding the surveillance technology.
Arvada currently operates 16 Flock Safety cameras that have assisted in solving dozens of past cases. The city council is set to vote on a motion to eliminate $24,000 in funding for the program during an October 20 public hearing.
The players
Ed Brady
Ed Brady serves as the Arvada Police Chief who oversees department operations and policy implementation.
Flock Safety
Flock Safety is a technology company that provides automated license plate reader cameras to law enforcement agencies.
The details
Chief Ed Brady asked the city manager to strip the funding as the department navigates public feedback regarding privacy. While the program is currently slated for discontinuation, officials may re-evaluate the use of the technology if the state legislature adopts formal safeguards in the upcoming session.
Timeline
Arvada Police began using Flock Safety cameras in 2024.
The city council is scheduled to vote on removing camera funding on October 20, 2026.
The requested budget removal covers the 2027 fiscal year.
State lawmakers may consider ALPR technology safeguards during the 2027 legislative session.
Legal Context
This move reflects the growing scrutiny of surveillance technology across Colorado and mirrors a shift toward demanding greater transparency in law enforcement data practices. The city's pause is explicitly linked to the development of state legislative safeguards for ALPR technology.
Residents and local business owners will see the discontinuation of the 16 cameras as the city prioritizes privacy concerns and public trust. This change may alter how local police gather evidence for investigations moving forward.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates a shift toward prioritizing transparency over existing surveillance tools as local agencies grapple with privacy debates. Residents should continue to monitor city council proceedings to see if future state-level regulations lead to the return of similar technology.
What happens next
The Arvada City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the motion to remove funding for the Flock Safety cameras on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local department policies, visit the Arvada Law Enforcement section.
More information
View official details regarding the program on the APD automated license plate reader information page.
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