The city of Tempe, Arizona, has terminated its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated its automated license plate reader (ALPR) system, becoming the latest jurisdiction to reject the technology amid escalating national scrutiny. Tempe’s police department confirmed the cameras are no longer collecting license plate data and will not be replaced with an alternative system, according to a city announcement on Wednesday.
The decision follows a broader trend in 2026, with at least 56 cities and counties across the U.S. canceling, rejecting, or deactivating Flock Safety’s ALPR cameras, according to a tally by the advocacy group DeFlock. The group’s data, compiled from the Institute for Justice and Unsurveilled.org, along with local reporting, indicates that the backlash has intensified in recent months.
How ALPR Systems Work
Flock Safety operates a network of ALPR cameras that capture license plate images and vehicle characteristics from passing cars. Law enforcement agencies can search the system to identify vehicles linked to investigations, and Flock’s network allows cross-jurisdictional data sharing among participating agencies. Proponents argue the technology aids in solving crimes and locating missing persons, while critics describe it as warrantless mass surveillance that creates extensive records of public movements.
Tempe’s Rationale
Tempe’s police department acknowledged the system had assisted in crime-solving efforts but stated that broader concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and the sharing of vehicle-location data necessitated the shutdown. The city did not specify whether its decision was influenced by recent investigations into police misconduct or public pressure.
National Backlash Grows
The pushback against Flock Safety’s ALPRs has accelerated after reports of police misuse and data-sharing controversies raised questions about who can access the nationwide network and how the information is used. The Institute for Justice has documented over 100 incidents of ALPR abuse, including wrongful stops, non-law enforcement use, and stalking cases. Additionally, ALPR systems have been linked to errors, such as the 2023 incident in Española, New Mexico, where a 12-year-old was handcuffed after a camera misread a license plate number.
Community Responses and Alternatives
Some communities have taken direct action against ALPR systems. Reports indicate instances of sabotage, including disabling cameras with tools like spray paint or hacksaws, as a form of protest against perceived overreach. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions continue to evaluate the technology’s benefits and risks, with some exploring stricter regulations or outright bans.
Ongoing Debate
The debate over ALPRs centers on balancing public safety benefits with privacy rights and potential for abuse. Supporters, including law enforcement agencies, argue the systems provide critical investigative tools, while civil liberties advocates and privacy-focused groups contend that the technology enables unchecked surveillance without adequate safeguards. The absence of a centralized government database tracking local decisions complicates efforts to assess the full scope of the backlash, though advocacy groups continue to compile and publicize contract terminations and rejections.