Scottsdale's latest anti-Flock moves
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Scottsdale is considering cutting ties with Flock Safety while exploring other automated license plate reader (ALPR) vendors.
Why it matters: The city joins a host of other local governments responding to the nationwide backlash over Flock's privacy practices.
- But the city remains committed to using the technology, even if another company provides it.
Driving the news: At a meeting Tuesday, City Council members unanimously voted to direct staff to look into other ALPR vendors and return Dec. 1 with a proposed ordinance for the use of ALPRs.
Zoom in: The motion directed staff to exclude Flock from the proposed fiscal 2027-28 budget and figure out how to end its contract by June 30, 2027.
- Any exit depends on Scottsdale having a replacement system ready, meaning the cameras will continue to work during the transition.
By the numbers: The Flock contract runs through June 2028 and costs about $280,000 annually.
- Scottsdale's 85 cameras record when and where vehicles pass them.
- The city retains data for 185 days.
The other side: Flock supports the city in "considering additional guardrails" to strengthen privacy and accountability and is willing to work with the city to "ensure the technology is used responsibly," a Flock spokesperson tells Axios.
State of play: From January through August, the cameras helped city police locate five vulnerable people, per the department.
- The department's real-time crime center receives 50 to 100 Flock alerts daily but acts on fewer than 5%.
- Audits by the police department found no misuse by Scottsdale officers, police said.
Yes, but: The council directed the city auditor to begin an initial audit within 90 days and recommend whether a specialized outside auditor is needed.
Zoom out: About 65 Arizona law enforcement agencies can request access to Scottsdale data to help track suspects, stolen vehicles and more.
- Police chief Joe LeDuc says access is limited to Arizona law enforcement agencies with certified lawful use of ALPRs and policies comparable to Scottsdale's.
What they're saying: "Please don't simply replace Flock with another company's version of the same technology," a resident said during public comment Tuesday.
The big picture: Several Arizona communities have ended or suspended their Flock programs after reports of potential misuse and growing privacy concerns.
- Tempe is weighing an all-out ban on ALPRs.