Attorney General Mayes Announces Review of Automated License Plate Readers’ Impact on Privacy Rights, Voices Concerns on Misuse

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced she will conduct a review of the use of Flock cameras and other similar surveillance and automated license plate reader systems across Arizona.

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

Attorney General Mayes’ announcement follows a wave of scrutiny in recent weeks: several law enforcement agencies have canceled their Flock contracts, others have reported misuse of the systems, and the public has raised growing concerns about the use of the technology and the impacts on privacy.

The Attorney General’s analysis will consider how this technology has been used, how it impacts Arizonans’ privacy, and any potential infringement on 4th Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Attorney General will prepare a report on the findings and deliver it to the Legislature and Governor’s Office.