Queen Creek has enacted regulations that criminalize the misuse of its automated license plate reader network, marking the first such penalty in Arizona. The Town Council voted unanimously on Sept. 2 to adopt safeguards for the town’s 62 Flock cameras, which can now be accessed only for official police work.
Violations of the new policy carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Police Chief Randy Brice stated that officers and town employees must log every use of the system both electronically and physically, linking each query to an established case number. He argued these measures will prevent unauthorized browsing similar to incidents reported in other Valley communities.
The council’s decision follows widespread opposition to automated license plate readers across the region. Several cities, including Chandler, Tempe, and Cave Creek, have canceled their contracts with Flock following audits or concerns about potential surveillance of residents. At the Queen Creek meeting, many attendees urged leaders to terminate the town’s contract entirely, with some calling for a complete ban on the technology.
Nathan Taylortaft, co-director of East Valley Unite, argued that the cameras violate constitutional rights by creating a generalized surveillance network. He noted the group has organized residents from Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek to oppose the technology. However, Brice emphasized the tool’s utility, citing its role in solving 3,794 incidents between 2025 and 2026, including stolen vehicle recoveries and hit-and-run cases.
Councilmember Leah Martineau supported retaining the system, highlighting its value in locating kidnapped teenagers. She described calls to discard the technology as a knee-jerk reaction to actions taken by neighboring cities. Mayor Julia Wheatley said the new rules balance resident privacy concerns with the need for effective law enforcement tools.
