FOIA Resources
Everything you need to request ALPR records and expose surveillance infrastructure.
Legal Precedent Established
On November 6, 2024, a Washington State Superior Court judge ruled:
"Images generated by flock cameras are public records under Washington state law and they are not exempt from disclosure."
Key findings:
- ALPR data qualifies as public records
- Agencies cannot claim exemption
- Data doesn't need to be "possessed" by agency to be subject to disclosure
This precedent confirms ALPR data qualifies as public records. Agencies cannot claim exemption.
Supporting Legal Action
The Institute for Justice is challenging mass ALPR surveillance in Norfolk, VA.
Dr. John Padfield is writing a pro bono amicus brief analyzing deficiencies in ALPR policy manuals nationwide.
Your submissions help build the case:
- Document lack of policies
- Show training gaps
- Expose unauthorized access
Request Templates
Template 1: ALPR Contracts & Policies
Request all contracts with ALPR vendors, policy/procedure manuals, training documentation, and audit procedures.
View Template Text
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Agency Name] [Agency Address] RE: Public Records Request – ALPR/Flock Camera Systems Dear Public Records Officer, Pursuant to the [State] Public Records Act, I am requesting the following records related to Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems operated by or on behalf of your agency: 1. All contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other documents between your agency and Flock Safety, Vigilant Solutions, or any other ALPR vendor. 2. All policies, procedures, and guidelines governing the use of ALPR systems. 3. All training materials provided to personnel with access to ALPR data. 4. All audit logs showing who has accessed the ALPR system in the past 12 months. 5. Total cost of ALPR system implementation and ongoing maintenance. I request that responsive records be provided electronically in their native format. Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Template 2: Public Official Vehicle Tracking
ONLY FOR THE BOLD — Based on Washington State court ruling (Nov 2024)
Request vehicle location history for specific public officials. Cite the Washington precedent. Limit to government-owned vehicles.
View Template Text
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Agency Name] [Agency Address] RE: Public Records Request – Vehicle Location Data for Public Officials Dear Public Records Officer, Pursuant to the [State] Public Records Act, and consistent with the November 6, 2024 Washington State Superior Court ruling establishing that ALPR data constitutes public records, I am requesting the following: 1. All ALPR/Flock camera detection records for the following government-owned vehicles: - [Vehicle License Plate 1] assigned to [Official Name/Title] - [Vehicle License Plate 2] assigned to [Official Name/Title] 2. Date range: [Start Date] to [End Date] 3. For each detection, please provide: - Date and time - Camera location - Direction of travel (if available) Legal Basis: The Washington State ruling confirmed that "images generated by flock cameras are public records under Washington state law and they are not exempt from disclosure." Public servants operate government vehicles in their public capacity. This data is not exempt from disclosure. I request that responsive records be provided electronically. Sincerely, [Your Name]
State-by-State Guide
🏆 Tier 1: Strongest Laws
- ✓ Connecticut
- ✓ Missouri
- ✓ North Carolina
- ✓ Florida
These states have the most citizen-friendly open records laws. Start here if you can.
⚖️ Recent Victory
- ★ Washington (Nov 2024)
Court ruled ALPR data = public records. Agencies cannot claim exemption.
Known Policy Failures
Upload FOIA results showing similar failures to strengthen legal challenges nationwide.
Los Angeles Police Department
Source: California State Auditor
- → Staff with no ALPR duties had system access
- → No training required before granting access
- → Systematic policy violations
Your jurisdiction likely has similar gaps. Document them.
The Accountability Pipeline
We're all part of the same movement.
Ready to file a request?