By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s top prosecutor is taking a closer look at how police departments across the state use Flock Safety cameras and similar license plate reading systems, as more cities cut ties with the technology amid growing controversy.
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Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the review Thursday morning, saying that while the technology can “play an important role in helping law enforcement solve and prevent crime,” its use must be “balanced against the Constitution and Arizonans’ privacy rights.”
“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 written statement. “I share those concerns. We need a statewide approach to this issue.”
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According to Mayes’ office, the review follows weeks of controversy. Several Arizona police departments have already canceled their Flock contracts, some have uncovered evidence of misuse, and residents have voiced privacy concerns.
The review will examine how the cameras have been used, their impact on residents’ privacy, and any potential constitutional issues. Findings will be compiled into a report for state lawmakers and the Governor’s Office.
Tempe shuts down its camera network
The announcement comes a day after Tempe powered down all 33 of its Flock license plate cameras. The city plans to end its contract with the company entirely and does not intend to seek a replacement system.
“These cameras have helped our police officers do their jobs, and we don’t discount that,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said. “But the risk of misuse is too great. We have to be able to provide public safety in a way that maintains the trust of our community. For Tempe, that means taking these cameras down.”
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The physical cameras may remain in place until Flock Safety removes them, but the city says no new data is being collected. Any previously stored data is automatically deleted after 30 days.
A patchwork of responses across the state
Cave Creek ended its contract right away after privacy concerns and a camera theft. Surprise and Chandler stopped using their cameras after audits found some officers misused them.
Apache Junction, however, is sticking with its cameras — even after a former officer misused the system to track his wife — saying the technology has helped find missing people and criminals.
RELATED: Several Arizona agencies halt Flock cameras amid misuse cases
Meanwhile, some cities moving away from Flock are turning to a competitor, Axon, for license plate readers. Those systems will also fall under the attorney general’s review.
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