CHANDLER, Ariz. — The City of Chandler was set to vote on renewing its contract for Flock cameras. Instead, they delayed the decision.
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It came after several residents spoke out against the controversial license plate readers during public comment at Thursday’s city council meeting.
Some in the audience were yelling and cursing at the meeting, demanding that all cameras be removed immediately.
Flock cameras are automated license plate readers that are used all across the country, with many in Arizona.
The Chandler Police Department said the city currently has 40 of them at high-traffic areas. These devices can do more than just scan people’s license plates. The advanced cameras can identify car makes and models as well as specific markings on vehicles.
Police said the cameras play a key role in helping solve crimes.
From October through December 2025, the system generated 3,508 alerts for critical issues, including stolen vehicles, missing or endangered adults, missing children, and active warrants.
“We have found people who were driving around in a dementia state, we have solved crimes where people have been killed in the street, and [the] vehicle fled, and only, and I mean, only, because of Flock, were we able to generate a lead and bring someone into custody,” said Chandler Police Chief Bryan Chapman.
During public comment, only one speaker was in favor of the cameras. Everyone else expressed concerns about increased surveillance, whether the cameras would be misused, and whether the data they captured would be sold.
“Why you say you’re using these cameras for public safety, they infringe on our right to privacy in public spaces, and if put in the wrong hands, can be used to stalk and harass innocent people,” said one resident.
“To have our movements captured, labeled, logged away every time we leave our homes implies we are all suspected criminals who have yet to commit any crimes,” said another.
Chapman addressed some of the concerns.
He said the cameras are only operated by the city, and their data is deleted after 30 days. So far, there have been no cases of officers mishandling the devices, and the cameras only track vehicles, not people.
Opponents were still not satisfied with the answers. At points, booing the chief as he spoke in front of the council.
Councilmember OD Harris also shared the same issues brought up by residents, and asking for the vote to be delayed until an ordinance is created to put safeguards and oversight in place.
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“We are concerned about our privacy, about the rights of our privacy, and the misuse of our privacy and our personal data. I don’t want people surveilling me,” Harris said.
Councilmember Christine Ellis shared her experience of seeing the system work to catch criminals and missing children. This led to some residents yelling out in disagreement.
“One of my employees was walking on McQueen and Chandler boulevard, and a drunk hit him, and we were able to capture the license plate,” Ellis said before getting interrupted.
“I am not having a debate with you.”
Following public comment, Harris made a motion to delay the vote and disable the cameras until they came to a decision. It eventually led to an argument between him and Ellis. Mayor Kevin Hartke then called for a brief recess.
When the council returned, Hartke made a motion to table the decision until their meeting in July to gather more information and feedback about the system. It was approved seven to one, with Harris voting against it.
After the meeting, some opponents said they were relieved the decision was delayed, but said they wished the cameras were disabled until then.
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