Harris talks taking tougher stances against police data sharing, lawsuits

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

As Chandler Police Chief Bryan Chapman was refuting allegations made by Councilmember O.D. Harris during a May 18 study session, he raised his voice in public for perhaps the first time in the two-plus years he’s been chief.

Chapman was explaining the importance of Flock license plate cameras and the company’s data-sharing policies after Harris had been grilling the chief on which agencies also end up seeing Flock’s data on Chandler vehicles and occupants.

The tough line of questioning about cooperation and information sharing with immigration enforcement authorities was part of a change in the way Harris has dealt with law enforcement in council meetings, study sessions and work sessions has changed in a noticeable way over the past year.

Starting late last year with a December development hearing on an AI data center, and accelerating in a more aggressive direction over the first six months of 2026, Harris has confronted police leadership more often and more intensely than he had in his previous five years on Council.

In January, Harris was acquitted in a bench trial on charges of stealing political signs during his successful 2024 reelection campaign.

In late June, Harris announced he’s completed a notice of claim to sue both the city of Chandler and the city of Scottsdale — seeking $5 million from each — for malicious and discriminatory prosecution after charges had been dismissed the first time.

Harris recently took some questions from the Chandler Independent.

Chandler Independent: You helped Mayor Kevin Hartke celebrate the Chandler Police Department’s full staffing of 348 sworn officers Jan. 5. You’ve mentioned the department’s full staffing status at least twice in meetings since then. Why?

Harris: We, as a council, have done a lot to ensure the department has all the personnel, all the tools it needs. In return, we want to see accountability.

CI: During a March 23 study session, you grilled Assistant Chief Jason Sieczkowski about renewing the Verra Mobility contract, voting against the renewal three days later. Why?

Harris: For the same reason I spoke with Chief (Chapman) in May about the Flock cameras: potential Chandler officer misuse of data is not my primary concern. It’s the fact that the information is leaving the PD’s possession, being stored on private servers that are out of the city’s control, but vendors with a profit motive to share data with other government people. And we don’t have language in our contracts to prevent or monitor that.

CI: When Mayor Hartke pointed out March 23 that you had voted previously to approve or renew surveillance-type programs or services, you said you’re focused not on the past, but on the future. Do you regret not scrutinizing these contracts sooner?

Harris: It’s possible myself or any of us could have looked deeper into these the last time they came up. But we know so much more now about how other agencies use this type of personal information.

CI: During at least two work sessions this spring, you mentioned how often the city is being sued, by many different entities and people. Why?

Harris: More suits tend to happen when people are unhappy with policy. My difficult decision to move forward with my notices to sue is motivated not by money or politics, but by a need for change in how things are done.

CI: When it became apparent actions taken at a Jan. 30 Hamilton High School anti-ICE rally were by a Phoenix Police officer, Dusten Mullen, you reacted swiftly in calling him and the department out. What are your expectations of Chandler Police in these situations, and why were you so vocal about that case?

Harris: I realize each department has its own chain of command and limits on what they can say publicly about other departments. I just want leaders to talk to each other cordially about these things, using the right protocol. And I want our city to know we don’t tolerate that misuse of power here in Chandler, from our employees or anyone else. We keep hearing there are only a few bad apples; let’s pluck them out. Again, it’s about accountability.

CI: Did any of the surveillance software or other situations, including Chief Chapman residing outside the city limits with clearance from the previous city manager, factor into budget discussions or your approval or veto of any part of Chandler Police’s annual budget requests?

Harris: Absolutely not. I have to compartmentalize. Issues I might have with one or few command staff or officers doesn’t have anything to do with what the 348 sworn officers and the other (civilian) staff need. They need what they need.

Email Jason W. Brooks at jjbrooks@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.