Arizona AG to investigate use of Flock, other license plate readers

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes will investigate the use of automated license plate readers around the state following several weeks of cities abandoning the technology after some audits showed misuse.

The Attorney General’s Office announced the review Thursday as more cities this week said they were abandoning the technology or ending contracts with Flock Group, the Atlanta-based company that has its cameras and agreements in cities throughout Arizona and the U.S.

“Technology can and does play an important role in helping law enforcement solve and prevent crime, but its use must be balanced against the Constitution and Arizonans’ privacy rights,” Mayes said in a press release. “Arizonans are rightfully concerned about the documented examples of the misuse of this technology as well as how it affects their privacy rights. I share those concerns. We need a statewide approach to this issue.”

The review will examine how law enforcement uses the technology and its privacy impact under the state and federal constitutions. The Attorney General's Office will deliver the report to the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, but did not set a timetable for how long it would take.

Multiple Valley cities announced they are ending use of the automated license plate readers. Tempe and Cave Creek were the most recent, saying this week they would end contracts with Flock and turn off cameras. 

Goodyear was the first Valley city to probe a misuse of the Flock system about two weeks ago. That was followed by the city of Surprise, but that officer has been cleared, according to the city.

Chandler ended its Flock contract after an internal investigation and after residents' complaints about the system. 

Other cities reported they have not seen misuse during what officials called routine audits of the system. Phoenix, which uses a Motorola Solutions version of the automated license plate readers, said it found no  misuse, nor has Maricopa County, which has a small collection of Flock cameras.

Flock and Motorola Solutions, along with Scottsdale-based Axon, developed the cameras typically mounted on poles that can  read license plates of cars as they pass by.

The cameras can store information for up to 30 days and allow law enforcement using them to track vehicles. Some systems are equipped with software that can identify cars by identifying features such as markings, bumper stickers, roof racks and dents.

Law enforcement officials around the Valley and U.S. say the cameras have proved valuable in solving crimes from vehicle theft to kidnappings. Opponents question the ability to share data to agencies across the country and the ability to track all people as they move through cities.