Arizona attorney general launches statewide review of Flock cameras amid wave of scrutiny

As a slew of Arizona cities, towns and law enforcement agencies have been reconsidering their contracts with Flock Safety, a company that creates surveillance technology with artificial intelligence, the state’s top prosecutor has launched her own review.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Thursday that her office will review how Flock cameras, automated license plate readers and similar surveillance tools are used across the state.

“Arizonans are rightfully concerned about the documented examples of the misuse of this technology as well as how it affects their privacy rights,” Mayes said in a news release. “I share those concerns. We need a statewide approach to this issue.”

The announcement follows Cave Creek’s decision to end its contract with Flock, citing privacy concerns, reported misuse elsewhere in Arizona and the theft of one of the company’s cameras.

Why is the Arizona attorney general reviewing surveillance technology?

Many of the agencies and municipalities cutting ties with Flock have mentioned privacy concerns as well as concerns about misuse.

Chandler is ending its use of Flock license plate-reading cameras after an audit flagged possible misuse by a city employee. Similar investigations have involved officers in Apache Junction and Goodyear.

Flock’s nationwide camera network records time-stamped images and vehicle information, including license plates. The American Civil Liberties Union warns that this data can be used to track someone’s movements and reveal details about their private life.

“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.

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