# City Council Study Session - August 11, 2026


**Body:** CityofSheltonWA
**Date:** August 10, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Public Safety, Information Technology, Regulatory Compliance


At the August 11, 2026, City of Shelton study session, Police Chief Dan Patton briefed the City Council on the Police Department’s two-year use of its Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) system. Shelton has 12 stationary cameras. The chief recommended continuing the system under existing safeguards, describing permitted investigative uses, 21-day data retention, officer training and audits, a public transparency portal, and data sharing limited to Washington State agencies. He cited assistance recovering stolen vehicles and supporting an Amber Alert investigation. A council member asked about the Flock system’s cost compared with outfitting an officer, but no specific Flock price was provided; figures discussed for officer costs were approximately $150,000 annually for a fully loaded officer and about $300,000 for first-year hiring and outfitting costs.

Council members discussed privacy, data security, possible access or misuse by other agencies, and whether the system should be renewed. The chief said he would notify the Council if evidence showed the system was being misused and supported stopping it if warranted. One council member expressed opposition to renewal, but the transcript records no motion or vote and no final renewal decision. The chief also described department policies and training intended to comply with state requirements, including annual reporting and review of searches.

**Source:** CityofSheltonWA