# City Council Study Session - Zoom Meeting


**Body:** CityofSheltonWA
**Date:** August 12, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

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


The City of Shelton City Council held a study session on August 12, 2026, including an update from Police Chief Dan Cotton on the city’s 12 Flock automatic license plate reader cameras. The chief described operating safeguards, including officer training and case-number requirements, audit trails, a 21-day data-retention period, public transparency reporting, and sharing limited to Washington State agencies. He said the cameras support investigations involving matters such as stolen vehicles and missing persons, and recommended continuing the Flock service.

Councilmembers discussed the Flock contract, which is approaching the end of its two-year term in September. Some members supported renewal, while one raised concerns about privacy, data security, and the company retaining less than 1% of images for product improvement. The chief said he had requested that the city opt out of that retention if it continues with Flock; councilmembers asked for written confirmation and discussed negotiating the change. The city manager indicated the contract could return to Council for renewal. No formal motion or vote on renewal was recorded. No contract amount was stated.

**Source:** CityofSheltonWA