Three former Denver mayors urge a “yes” vote on license plate cameras (Opinion)

This week, Denver City Council will make a decision that goes to the heart of a basic responsibility we all share: keeping our communities safe.

The proposal is a one-year contract with Axon Enterprise to install 50 license plate reader cameras in high-traffic areas. These cameras help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes. Some in our community have raised concerns about privacy–and we should take those concerns seriously.

As Denver council faces vote on new license plate cameras contract, distaste lingers for ‘this whole Flock era’

But we should also look at the facts.

This contract includes some of the strongest privacy protections we’ve seen. The data belongs only to the City of Denver. It cannot be shared with outside agencies like DHS or ICE. And it is automatically deleted after just 21 days. These safeguards didn’t happen by accident–they are the result of months of careful work by city leaders, law enforcement, and independent experts.

At the same time, we know this technology works. License plate readers were used in more than 40% of homicide investigations in Denver last year. They have helped recover stolen cars, take illegal firearms off our streets, locate missing children, and both confirm and eliminate suspects. Cities across the country–from New York City to San Diego—rely on them every day.

We also know what happens when safeguards fall short. Denver’s previous vendor, Flock Safety, misused data, and that contract was terminated. We learned from that experience. After a thorough review, the city selected Axon, a company widely trusted for its strong security and accountability.

Let’s also be clear about what these cameras do–and don’t do. They are aimed at public roads, capturing license plates that are already visible to anyone. Courts have consistently ruled there is no violation of privacy in those settings.

Since taking office, Mayor Mike Johnston has overseen meaningful progress in reducing crime, with homicides and auto thefts both declining. License plate readers are not the only reason, but they are part of a broader strategy that is making a difference.

At a time when fear and distrust can easily take hold, we have to stay grounded in reality. We cannot have police officers everywhere at all hours. But we can give them tools that act as extra “eyes”–helping them identify reckless drivers, track fleeing suspects, and respond more effectively to serious crimes.

The choice before us is not between safety and privacy. With this contract, we can–and must—have both.

If we expect safer streets, we have to give our law enforcement the tools to deliver them. Denver City Council should vote yes.

Michael B.Hancock, Federico Peña and Wellington E. Webb are former mayors of Denver.

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