By Ethan Faverino |
The City of Surprise announced it has suspended its use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) after a routine audit earlier this month identified an anomaly in the system. The audit prompted an investigation into a potential violation of department policy and the placement of a Surprise police officer on administrative leave.
Surprise Police announced the suspension on Wednesday, saying the department discovered an irregularity involving its Flock automated license plate reader system. The department said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be released when appropriate.
Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher stated, “Public trust is of the highest importance to the Surprise Police Department and maintaining that trust requires transparency and accountability. While we still need to complete an investigation into this irregularity, we are taking this incident very seriously. That is why we took immediate action to halt the program, investigate the issue and make the community aware of it.”
The City of Surprise began using ALPR technology more than two years ago and currently has 28 cameras operating throughout the city.
According to the City, the technology has helped law enforcement solve numerous serious crimes, including homicides, robberies, and carjackings.
The city maintains a policy governing the use of ALPR technology and conducts regular audits intended to identify potential misuse. Surprise officials said the most recent audit, functioned as intended by identifying the incident of irregular use.
Chief Becher said the city is using the incident as an opportunity to evaluate additional safeguards that could further strengthen oversight of the technology.
“This technology has proven to be extremely valuable in solving serious crimes. As we look to continue the use of this public safety tool, we want strong safeguards in place that not only alert of misuse but also prevent it,” added Becher. “Surprise Police Department is committed to ensuring enhanced protections are in place before reimplementing use of ALPR cameras.”
The Surprise suspension comes amid growing scrutiny of Flock license plate reader systems across the Valley, with several Arizona law enforcement agencies taking action involving the technology within a matter of days.
The City of Chandler announced earlier this month that it would discontinue its use of 40 fixed-camera Flock ALPRs after an audit identified what they considered an anomaly.
The incident involved an officer who misused the system to track a family member with medical issues. The officer subsequently resigned, and Chandler officials announced the Flock service would not be renewed.
In Apache Junction, a police officer resigned on August 10 following an internal investigation into allegations that he used Flock cameras to track his wife. The department announced the officer’s resignation after the investigation into his use of the system.
In Tempe, police announced on August 11 that the city would stop sharing data collected from its 33 Flock cameras with other agencies. The decision followed community concerns about privacy and recent reports involving alleged misuse of ALPR technology in other Arizona cities.
Tempe said its cameras would remain in place, but other law enforcement agencies would have to request information through the appropriate process.
“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,” stated Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy.
Goodyear Police also announced this month that an officer has been placed on administrative leave following an audit of Flock ALPR use that identified potentially concerning activity.
The department said the investigation uncovered a possible violation of department policy and a possible criminal violation. The officer’s access to department computer systems was also cut off while the investigation continues.
The developments in Surprise, Chandler, Apache Junction, Tempe, and Goodyear have all occurred within roughly one week, highlighting increasing attention being paid to how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate reader technology and the safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access.
While law enforcement agencies have praised the technology as an important tool for investigating serious crimes, the recent incidents have raised questions about privacy, data sharing, and protections against improper use.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
