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Automated License Plate Reader Surveillance

At a glance

  • What: Chandler's discontinued use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology via Flock cameras; future policies and safeguards for ALPR use.
  • Where it stands: City discontinued Flock cameras August 2026 after reviewing information from Flock, Council questions, resident concerns, and concerns about data safeguards. All cameras turned off; city employees no longer have access. Cameras removed by Flock. No active ALPR contract under Council consideration.
  • Next: City staff to develop clear policies and guidelines addressing data use and incident handling before any future ALPR technology consideration. Future Council could reconsider after reviewing applicable policies, safeguards, and contract terms.
  • Watch: Privacy concerns; public comment divided on surveillance technology use; Council and residents concerned about data protection and policy frameworks.

Background

Flock cameras program:

  • Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology; cameras capture vehicle license plates.
  • Pilot program agreement with Flock.
  • Agreement for first set of 26 cameras in place.
  • Agreement for second set of 26 cameras paid through March 2026 (not cancelled at time of August 13 announcement).

Discontinuation decision

Announcement date: August 13, 2026

Rationale:

  • After reviewing information presented by Flock.
  • After considering questions raised by City Council.
  • After considering questions raised by residents (including resident concerns about surveillance and data protection).
  • After examining circumstances surrounding pilot program.
  • City determined additional policies and safeguards needed regarding use of ALPR technology and data handling.

Actions taken:

  • All Flock cameras turned off.
  • City employees no longer have access to cameras or data.
  • Cameras physically removed by Flock as quickly as possible.
  • City will consult with City Attorney's Office and Flock regarding contractual and financial matters.

Clarifications:

  • No active ALPR contract currently being considered by City Council.
  • No items related to ALPR or Flock on City Council agenda.
  • Future Council could reconsider ALPR use after reviewing applicable policies, safeguards, and contract terms.
  • Current Council cannot prevent future Council from reconsidering issue.

Future framework needed

Mayor Hartke statement:

  • No active ALPR contract being considered.
  • A future City Council could consider the use of ALPR technology after reviewing applicable policies, safeguards, and contract terms.
  • City Attorney Tawn Kao (then Acting City Attorney) confirmed current Council cannot prevent future Council from reconsidering.

Staff direction:

  • City Manager John Pombier stated city will develop clear policies and guidelines addressing data use and handling of future incidents.
  • Any future consideration of ALPR technology will provide City Council with sufficient information to make informed decision.
  • Appropriate safeguards will be ensured before any future use.

Public comment

Opposed to ALPR:

  • Reid Nimmer: spoke against ALPR use; cited Axon's 2018 AI Ethics Board noting ALPR can aid law enforcement but has serious concerns about unregulated use (potential to exacerbate enforcement of low-level offenses); requested limited use to police vehicles only or smaller data retention time; requested ALPRs removed from use in Chandler.
  • Harrison Redmond: urged Council to pass ordinance banning all ALPRs in Chandler; praised ending Flock contract as right decision; stated misuse is ALPR problem not Flock-specific problem; requested Chandler be leading voice on privacy protections and ban ALPRs.
  • Yegor Zenkov: spoke about mass surveillance and federal investigations into Flock cameras; said Chandler made right choice discontinuing use; expressed concerns with future technologies like Peregrine software and Axon Fleet Cameras; requested Police amend FOIA response process and publicly clarify whether Axon Fleet Cameras and Peregrine software being used in Chandler.
  • Multiple written comments opposed to ALPR/Flock: concerns about surveillance, privacy, data abuse.

Concerns raised about other surveillance systems:

  • Peregrine software: future technology concern raised.
  • Axon Fleet Cameras: in-vehicle cameras; residents requested clarification on current use status.

Status

  • Monitoring. Flock cameras discontinued; no active ALPR contract. City staff to develop policies and safeguards. Future Council may reconsider ALPR technology after reviewing policies. Current Chandler ordinances and policies on ALPR/surveillance technology to be clarified publicly.

Sources

Log

2026-08-13 - City Council

City Manager announced discontinuation of Flock camera ALPR pilot program. City determined additional policies and safeguards needed. All cameras turned off; city employees no longer have access. Public comment included mixed positions on surveillance technology; residents expressed privacy concerns and requested policy framework before any future ALPR use.