Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla told the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting (Nov. 18, 2025) that the city’s network of Flock safety cameras has helped reduce auto thefts, locate missing persons, and recover stolen vehicles, even as officials work to address growing public concerns about privacy and data access.
During public comment, a resident urged the city to install a replacement nesting platform for ospreys long established at Art Wright Field, saying the Parks Department plans to remove their nest due to safety issues.
Public Safety Report: Flock Camera Update
Chief Padilla reported that Flock cameras, which are automatic license plate readers, take no pictures of drivers or their passengers, only of the vehicle’s license plates. These plates are then used to track wanted vehicles. By this means, the city has arrested drivers of stolen vehicles, including one who possessed an illegal firearm, and recently helped to locate a dozen missing persons via silver and amber alerts. Chief Padilla said Kent has historically ranked very high for auto thefts nationally, but that the number has dropped significantly due to this technology. Finding and returning stolen vehicles has become much easier as well. If the Flock camera footage is not being utilized for an investigation, it is deleted after 30 days.
Padilla said many people have been expressing concerns recently with the potential use of Flock camera footage by the federal government. He said that a recent UW report showed that some agencies have inadvertently allowed access to this footage to federal law enforcement agencies, specifically US Border Patrol and ICE. Kent was not one of these agencies. He did report that Kent’s data had been used for a Homeland Security investigation into an organized crime ring and a homicide which, Padilla said, is the intended use of these cameras. Since being made aware of this issue, Kent has reconfigured the data so only Washington State agencies have access.
If Kent’s Flock camera footage is requested by any outside agency, the request will be reviewed by a commander. The commander will judge if the request is a valid and legal use of the data before granting access.
Public Comments: Osprey Nest Removal
One public speaker shared that a pair of ospreys have been nesting at Art Wright field for over ten years. She said the Parks Department plans to remove the nest due to safety concerns. According to the speaker, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife strongly recommends installing a replacement nesting platform. She requested that the Parks Department immediately install a replacement nesting platform at or near the current nest site. She said birders and photographers, as well as the community at large, would consider it a great loss to see this osprey family leave.
Small Business Saturday & Yeti Scavenger Hunt
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is traditionally Small Business Saturday, when shoppers show their support for small businesses by shopping local and exploring local offerings. This year, November 29th, also marks the 2nd annual Yeti Scavenger Hunt. This fun, self-guided activity will take place throughout various participating local businesses and restaurants through Dec. 31. See link for details.
Riverbend To Lease More Gas Golf Carts
Due to space constraints and charging logistics, Riverbend Golf Course will now be using more gas powered golf carts than electric powered carts. The Riverbend manager said they are looking for ways to potentially increase the capacity for electric golf carts in the future, but for now are reducing the electric fleet to just 32 golf carts, while increasing to 40 gas powered golf carts. Several councilmembers expressed concern and dismay at the direction of the facility toward using more fossil fuels, with Councilmember Marli Larimer voting no on the new lease, which passed in a 6:1 vote.
Speed Reduction Along West Valley Highway
In the new year, drivers will see speeds being reduced along several roads throughout the city, including West Valley Highway. The highway speed is being reduced from 50mph to 40 mph, to match existing speed limits in adjacent cities and increase road safety. Signs flagging the new speed limits will go up early next year. The speed limit changes passed unanimously.
Annual Solid Waste Rate Adjustment
Residents will see their garbage bill increase as it becomes more expensive to deal with solid waste throughout the state. Kent has historically been King County’s largest garbage producer, but tonnage has dropped over the last few years. Residents can save some money on their Republic Services bill by choosing a smaller trash can size.
