The city of South Tucson was poised to cancel a two-year contract with Flock Safety after concerns were brought up earlier this month about the license plate surveillance technology.
But the council instead tabled the issue at the Nov. 18 meeting.
The city is one of many in Arizona and across the country that have recently contracted with Flock, which provides surveillance cameras that can record license plate numbers and other details.
Some residents voiced approval, but others, like Elizabeth Sandoval, expressed concerns about who could access that data, and if it could be misused.
“I understand wanting to improve safety in our neighborhoods, we all want that, but using mass surveillance that can cause long term negative impacts is not the way to start," Sandoval said.
The City Attorney Jon Paladini said there is no evidence Flock is misusing the data.
“Flock under the contract has no ability to sell the data or to use the data in any way. The city owns the data," Paladini said.
The company’s website says the cameras only capture vehicle data and “do not collect personal information, facial recognition, or anything tied to individuals.”
Also, the city manager says the first year of the two-year contract is nonrefundable.
The city would still need to pay over $18,000, and an extra fee to remove the cameras.
But the council tabled the issue and plans to take it up again in the new year.
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