Independent Iowa public-records journalism

Investigation

Before the Vote, Flock Was Already Asking West Des Moines for a Signature

Emails show the surveillance vendor soliciting a pre-approval signature and discussing installation plans around the council vote. The available records do not establish that city officials signed early.

Data Investigation

A 30-Day Window Limits the Public View of Surveillance Searches

Eight overlapping audit exports show whole rows turning over in a pattern consistent with a rolling window. The evidence does not show intentional alteration—but it exposes a serious obstacle to public oversight.