Tempe PD ends all Flock license reader data sharing over privacy concerns

Tempe has stopped all data sharing from its Flock automated license plate readers in response to privacy concerns expressed by the community and the recent misuse of the system by two local law enforcement agencies, city officials said Tuesday.

“While we had previously restricted data sharing to Arizona law enforcement agencies only, this additional step will further safeguard Tempe’s data and ensure we maintain appropriate control over access,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said.

The Tempe Police Department stated in a release that it “will remain cooperative with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Agencies that need information may request it through the appropriate process.”

An automated license plate reader is a law enforcement tool that uses cameras to scan vehicle license plates and compare them to law enforcement databases. ALPRs can instantly notify officers when a car is stolen, associated with a missing person or a crime in progress, the release stated.

The Tempe Police Department has not used Flock safety data for any purpose other than law enforcement, city officials said, adding the police department “has taken comprehensive precautions to prevent misuse.”

Chandler and Apache Junction police departments have recently had issues with the camera system.

The Tempe Police Department audits the searches made using the Flock safety system monthly, the release stated.

“To access the system’s data, officers are required to input report numbers. Each entry to the system is reviewed to confirm that all data access was strictly necessary for law enforcement. The most recent audit was conducted on Friday, Aug. 7. No misuse was found in that audit – or in any previous audits,” the release continued.

The Tempe Police Department also launched a new "transparency portal," displaying live data and “usage metrics” to show the community how the technology is governed and operated.

The city also will go to bid for an Automated License Plate Reader vendor.

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