The city of Stanwood, WA, has suspended its contract with Flock Safety for 14 automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras after just four months of operation. The pause comes in response to a public records request for one hour of footage, which triggered a legal battle over whether ALPR data constitutes a public record under state law. Stanwood, joined by Sedro-Woolley, is seeking a court judgment to declare the data exempt from disclosure, citing privacy risks and potential misuse by malicious actors. A resident has filed a countersuit, alleging the city is violating the Public Records Act. The case highlights a significant legal gray area, as Washington law does not explicitly exempt ALPR data. The controversy is amplified by revelations that Flock shared data with federal agencies like CBP and HSI, eroding trust among local officials who were previously assured such sharing wouldn’t happen.