Scottsdale City Council reviews use of Flock automated license plate readers
What happened
The Scottsdale City Council held a meeting on October 6, 2026, where Scottsdale Police Chief Joseph LeDuc presented on the city's use of dozens of Flock automated license plate readers. The council will discuss and potentially direct staff regarding the continued use of the technology, which currently operates 85 cameras 24/7 in Scottsdale. The review comes as other municipalities, including Tempe, have canceled their Flock contracts due to privacy concerns.
Why it matters
The council is reviewing a contract valued at $1.2 million and considering cancellation due to privacy concerns. This review is part of a trend where other cities are ending contracts with Flock Safety, raising questions about the long-term operational costs and technology contracts for Scottsdale.
Who's involved
- Barry GrahamCouncil member expressing concerns about technology governance in Scottsdale
- ScottsdaleCity where the council is reviewing the use of surveillance technology
- Flock SafetySurveillance technology company whose contract is under review by Scottsdale
- Mayor of Scottsdale, ArizonaMayor of Scottsdale, Arizona, who has expressed frustration over the technology review process
- city councilLegislative body responsible for local ordinances and infrastructure projects within Scottsdale
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Flock SafetySpeculative
Flock Safety might face reduced revenue if the City Council cancels the $1.2 million contract.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Barry Graham
British crime writer
Nothing else this week.
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Scottsdale
city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States