Mass surveillance cameras continue to be installed in our communities without public approval or informed consent.
A coalition of Arizona citizens from across the political spectrum are challenging Flock Safety cameras, which are automated license plate readers (ALPRs). ALPRs capture photos of license plates and record a vehicle’s make, model, color, and other distinguishing characteristics.
Concern has spread across the country about widespread potential for abuse of ALPRs technology, including potential violations of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
On August 4, 2026 in Cottonwood, AZ, citizens spoke at the City Council meeting against the mass surveillance cameras.
Sandy Boyce successfully led efforts to remove Flock Safety cameras in Sedona. Boyce is now turning her advocacy work to other parts of Arizona. Boyce said Cottonwood residents packed the City Council meeting. Speakers urged City Council members to place Cottonwood’s Flock contract on a future agenda for a dedicated public discussion.
Boyce noted that in June 2025, the Cottonwood City Council approved an expansion of its Flock contract, including a drone, without a separate public discussion focused on the mass surveillance technology.
On August 5, 2026, during the Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, Sheriff Ross Teeple announced that he is directing his staff not to renew the Sheriff’s Office contract with Flock Safety.
Teeple cited privacy concerns and potential Fourth Amendment violations surrounding the Flock surveillance cameras.
“We have a camera system that can do facial recognition technology, and can start building a data set on what our citizens are doing on a day-to-day basis, and that in my training and experience . . . is a huge Fourth Amendment violation.” stated Sheriff Teeple.
Teeple acknowledged that this decision will only impact Flock cameras in unincorporated Pinal County. Many cities within the county have their own contracts with ALPRs.
1. File a public records request at your city’s website (or county’s website, for unincorporated areas). Check your local jurisdiction’s website, as there may be public records “portals” through which the request must be made. Visit Live Free AZ for a sample public records request.
2. Schedule an agenda item with your City Council and/or County Supervisors to discuss the mass surveillance cameras. The protocol to schedule an agenda item varies, so check with your local officials.
3. Mobilize the community! Set up tables at local events, such as farmer’s markets, rallies, etc. Ask people to sign postcards demanding the removal of mass surveillance cameras. Hand-deliver the postcards to City Hall. Encourage residents to call their City Council, Mayor, and/or County Supervisor. When the City Council or County Supervisors are hearing discussion about surveillance cameras, flood the meeting with residents in opposition. Your local officials need to see an overwhelming protest from the community and hear residents speaking up against the mass surveillance cameras!
Find surveillance cameras near you by checking this map.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Children’s Health Defense and/or Children’s Health Defense – Arizona. Information shared, presented, and/or hyperlinked is for educational purposes only; no material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or any other professional advice.
