By Ethan Faverino |
Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs is calling for a statewide ban on Flock automated license plate reader cameras, putting him at odds with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who said she trusts individual law enforcement agencies to decide whether they want to use the surveillance technology.
The disagreement came during a public safety forum hosted by the Arizona Police Association on Tuesday at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus.
Biggs and Hobbs answered questions separately and did not share the stage, with both candidates addressing issues including border security, police funding, and automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
According to Fox 10, the forum was intended to allow voters and Arizona law enforcement officials to hear each candidate’s position on public safety issues ahead of the November gubernatorial election.
Biggs said he would ban Flock cameras throughout Arizona if elected governor.
Hobbs took a different position. According to KTAR News, Hobbs claimed she trusts individual law enforcement agencies to determine whether they want to use surveillance technology such as Flock cameras.
The disagreement came as several Arizona cities and police departments have recently suspended, investigated, or terminated their use of Flock cameras following concerns over the potential misuse of the technology.
The debate over Flock cameras gained new significance on Wednesday when the City of Tempe announced it had shut down its entire network of Flock automated license plate readers and would terminate its contract with the company.
The city previously ended automatic data sharing from its Flock cameras earlier this month.
Although the city said its own audits did not uncover improper use of the system, officials said recent incidents involving other Arizona law enforcement agencies raised concerns about the potential for misuse.
A Chandler police officer recently resigned after admitting to improperly using the department’s Flock system to locate a family member. The city subsequently discontinued its 40-camera Flock system and said it would not renew its current agreement with the company.
In Apache Junction, former officer Joshua McDaniel also resigned after an investigation found that he had used the Flock system to search for his wife’s vehicle. Two dispatchers who assisted with the search were also disciplined.
Goodyear has also launched a criminal investigation after an internal-affairs audit identified potential misuse of its Flock system by an officer. That officer was placed on administrative leave and had access to department computer systems restricted.
Surprise initially suspended its Flock system after an audit identified an anomaly and placed an officer on administrative leave. The city then canceled its Flock contract and requested that the company’s equipment be removed.
However, the officer was cleared of wrongdoing on after investigators determined the apparent anomaly was caused by a technical issue rather than improper use.
Sedona, Flagstaff, South Tucson, Pinal County, and Cave Creek have also ended or announced plans to end their Flock contracts within the last year.
With Flock cameras becoming an increasingly controversial issue across Arizona, the technology is expected to draw further debate at the state Capitol during the upcoming legislative session.
Lawmakers have already attempted to establish statewide regulations governing automated license plate readers, with several proposals introduced and debated earlier this year.
Senator Kevin Payne (R-LD27) introduced SB 1111, which sought to establish statewide requirements for ALPR use, including restrictions on data access, mandatory training, and regular audits.
The bill advanced through the Senate but ultimately did not become law.
Senator Mark Finchem (R-LD11) introduced SB 1138, which also sought to establish restrictions on ALPR use, including requirements governing access, training, and data retention. The bill was later amended into an unrelated measure.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
