Reporting + research

Flock in Washington and beyond.

Local reporting, Washington research, legislative coverage and national stories that help place Granite Falls’ contract in context.

Context

Local decisions do not happen in isolation.

Events in other jurisdictions do not establish what happened in Granite Falls. They do show how Flock’s network, public-records obligations, access controls, state law and documented misuse have been tested elsewhere.

Aug. 6, 2026

Renton votes to physically cover Flock cameras

After pausing ALPR use in May, Renton City Council voted to cover its Flock cameras while the policy dispute continued.

Mercer Island Reporter

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Apr. 3, 2026

Police pause ALPR systems to comply with new Washington restrictions

KUOW reported that agencies including Seattle and Kent paused some ALPR use while working through SB 6002’s restricted-location and retention rules.

KUOW

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Mar. 31, 2026

Washington adds statutory safeguards for ALPR systems

Coverage of SB 6002 after enactment, including the 21-day retention rule and new limits on collection and sharing.

Everett Herald

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Feb. 24, 2026

Lynnwood terminates its Flock contract

Lynnwood became one of the first Washington cities to terminate a Flock contract after months of debate over privacy, outside access and public trust.

Everett Herald

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Nov. 20, 2025

Washington cities turn off Flock cameras after records ruling and UW report

KUOW examined municipal shutdowns and the growing Washington controversy following a public-records ruling and University of Washington findings.

KUOW

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Nov. 4, 2025

Herald calls for review and stronger controls

The Herald reviewed Flock use in Snohomish County agencies after the UW report and argued for tighter review, transparency and controls.

Everett Herald

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Oct. 21, 2025

University of Washington documents federal access to Washington Flock networks

UWCHR analyzed Flock audits from Washington agencies and reported direct, indirect and agency-assisted pathways by which federal immigration authorities accessed or searched local ALPR networks.

UW Center for Human Rights

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Aug. 27, 2026

Reported officer misuse involving an ex-partner

Wired reported allegations that an Alpharetta officer used Flock searches involving an ex-girlfriend and other officers, one of several reported insider-misuse cases.

Wired

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Aug. 26, 2026

U.S. Senate inquiry targets Flock practices

Axios reported that Sen. Josh Hawley opened an inquiry into Flock’s collection, retention and dissemination of data.

Axios

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