Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology captures images of vehicle license plates and limited vehicle characteristics and compares the plate information against authorized criminal justice databases and department approved hotlists. ALPR is used for specific public safety and investigative purposes and operates under established policies governing how information is collected, accessed, used, shared, audited, and retained.

When a vehicle passes an ALPR camera on a public roadway, the system may capture an image of the publicly displayed license plate along with the date, time, camera location, and limited information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, color, or other observable characteristics. This information creates a record of the vehicle’s presence at a particular location and time.

Access to ALPR information is limited to authorized personnel and is subject to department policy and applicable laws and regulations. Scottsdale's policy expressly states that the purpose of the program is to assist with criminal investigations and articulable public safety concerns while respecting constitutional rights and privacy. The assertion that Scottsdale is continuously monitoring the movements of every citizen does not accurately describe either the technology or Scottsdale's use of it.

Scottsdale already has substantial protection that goes well beyond simply giving employees access to a vendor database. As technology continues to evolve, so will our policies, safeguards, and oversight. Scottsdale’s approach will continue to be guided by the law, the demonstrated public safety value of technology, and our responsibility to protect both the safety and privacy of our community.

Under SPD Policy FLD 1137:

• ALPR use is limited to criminal investigations or an articulable public safety concern.
• Personnel entering an alert in the Flock system must document the license plate, state, Department Report or Call for Service number, type of investigation, requestor and reason for the entry.
• Use for personal reasons is strictly prohibited.
• Entries must be associated with a documented case, call or investigation.
• Plates must be removed when the legitimate business need ends.
• Personnel are specifically prohibited from entering plates to track individuals participating in free-speech activities or protests.
• Personnel authorized to use the system must receive training before access is granted.
• Alerts are verified through ACIC/NCIC before enforcement action is taken.
• Users must access the vendor system through secure access controls and with their own credentials.
• The RTCC controls access, maintains the authorized-user list, removes access when the business need ends and performs periodic user-access reviews.

Most importantly, the system is audited.

Policy directs an RTCC technician to conduct an audit on the system/process every quarter. The policy prevents personnel from auditing searches or entries they personally made, requested or approved.

The audit specifically looks for higher-risk activity, including searches extending beyond 30 days, searches using multiple case numbers for a single plate, unusual single-user plate searches and external network searches. In addition, a random sample of hotlist entries is reviewed each quarter to confirm that the entry is supported by documentation and a current investigation or articulable public safety concern.

To date, Scottsdale's audits have identified no misuse of the ALPR system by Scottsdale personnel.

The Scottsdale Police Department retains data collected by ALPR systems as mandated by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Division of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. Per GS-1031 series 20827, search logs are retained for 1 year and license plate photos and data are retained for 185 days.

All users are properly trained prior to being able to access the system. Additionally, all users are required to read and acknowledge a policy statement and affirmation that they understand the rules surrounding ALPR systems and processes on an annual basis.

• In January 2022, a victim was murdered in a south Scottsdale hotel parking lot. Over the following weeks, detectives used Flock/ALPR information to track the suspects from the homicide location and develop vehicle information that assisted in apprehending suspects in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Arkansas.
• In April 2026, suspects fired more than 90 rounds into a short-term rental residence occupied by eight people. Fortunately, no one was struck. Detectives used Flock/ALPR information to track the suspect vehicle, leading to the arrest of numerous individuals on charges including Attempted First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.
• On May 8, 2026, an individual was the victim of a violent assault investigated as a hate crime. Detectives used Flock/ALPR information to track the suspect's vehicle to and from the location and successfully apprehended the suspect.
• On June 9, ALPR detections helped RTCC personnel locate a missing man with dementia. Traffic cameras confirmed the vehicle's movement, allowing a patrol officer to safely contact the driver and arrange assistance.
• On July 18, a vehicle associated with an organized retail-theft crew triggered an alert near Scottsdale Fashion Square. Officers located the vehicle, and Gilbert Police took four people into custody in connection with theft offenses in that city.
• During this same period, ALPR technology also assisted Scottsdale officers in recovering multiple stolen vehicles, arresting an auto-theft suspect and safely locating another missing person.

Scottsdale detectives also use ALPR detections to assist investigations involving the trafficking of children and predators targeting children for sexual offenses.

One case that demonstrates why we consider the system a lifesaving tool. At Scottsdale Fashion Square, an ALPR alert identified a vehicle that was driven by someone connected to a homicide investigation in another jurisdiction and additional violent incidents in Arizona. Scottsdale analysts confirmed the vehicle's presence and coordinated with officers. The suspect was safely arrested before further violence occurred. The suspect subsequently admitted that he had been planning another violent act.

Are ALPR systems audited?

Yes. Access to these systems is governed by department policies and procedures and many systems include auditing to ensure they are only used for authorized public safety purposes.

How long is the ALPR information kept?

The Scottsdale Police Department retains information only as required or permitted by applicable law, operational needs, and records retention requirements. Retention periods vary by technology and the type of information collected.

Can officers access these systems whenever they want?

Access is restricted based on an employee’s job responsibilities and legitimate law enforcement needs. Certain systems are limited to authorized RTCC personnel, while others are available only to employees whose duties require access. System activity is monitored and audited to promote appropriate use and compliance with department policies and applicable requirements.

Does ALPR cameras use facial recognition software to identify the driver or occupants of a vehicle?

No. Scottsdale’s Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology is designed to read and capture license plate information only. It does not use facial recognition, identify drivers or passengers, or analyze the faces of vehicle occupants. Scottsdale’s ALPR cameras are positioned and configured to capture the rear license plate of a vehicle rather than its occupants.

Is the Scottsdale Police Department watching people all day?

No. The Scottsdale Police Department does not use these technologies for the continuous or indiscriminate surveillance of community members. Public safety technologies are deployed for specific purposes, such as responding to calls for service, investigating criminal activity, supporting officers during critical incidents, documenting police-community interactions, and protecting public facilities and events. Their use is governed by department policies applicable laws, and safeguards designed to promote appropriate and accountable use.