Axon is operating ALPRs in our cities just like Flock. Tempe is currently testing Axon's cameras as an alternative to Flock's, and we need to make sure all ALPRs are not welcome.
Join us at Axon's headquarters in Scottsdale to watch them just like they watch us. Bring binoculars, telescopes, cameras, etc.
TLDR: Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are mass surveillance technologies that violate our Fourth Amendment right to privacy. We are packing the City Council Chambers for tonight’s meeting to demand that Chandler’s Flock cameras (which are no longer being used by the city) are physically covered up, and that an ordinance be passed prohibiting the city from using ALPRs. Wear red to signify your opposition to ALPRs.
Today, August 13, 6pm
Chandler City Council Chambers (88 E Chicago St)
More information: https://eastvalleyunite.org/flock/
As a progressive advocacy organization we often don’t post in general forums such as this one, but we have seen strong non-partisan support for efforts against not just Flock, but all ALPRs, so we’re sharing this here.
First, Chandler is no longer using the 40 Flock cameras posted around the city. However, they have not been taken down yet, and as far as we are aware, can still be accessed by Flock and other agencies. We need the cameras physically covered up immediately. There have been instances from Evanston, Illinois, to Troy, New York, to other cities, where Flock has kept operating cameras after a contract has terminated, simply not taking them down, or even after they are taken down, putting them back up.
Second, we need an ordinance stopping the city from continuing this mass surveillance system under the name of another company, like Axon. ALPRs capture information on every single vehicle that passes by. This includes not only a car’s license plate, but date, time, location, and increasingly, make, model, bumper stickers, dents, and any other identifiable characteristics that can be picked up by the AI systems embedded in this surveillance technology. This type of dragnet surveillance is what violates our constitutional rights. The ACLU argues that using ALPR systems gives the government “unprecedented powers of surveillance that upset traditional expectations of privacy in violation of the Fourth Amendment”. This is an issue that applies to all ALPRs, not just from Flock. This includes Axon, Motorola, Genetec, Leonardo, and any other ALPR company.
We have been working with the ACLU of Arizona to draft an ordinance to ban ALPRs. It would prohibit the City of Chandler from installing or operating any ALPR system, or accessing ALPR data from other agencies or private entities. To get this ordinance passed though, we need to continue the momentum we had against Flock to push the city council to introduce and pass it. The ordinance won’t be formally introduced by a councilmember tonight, but we’re packing the room to pressure them to do so soon. To send a strong visual signal, we are encouraging people to wear red to signify their opposition to ALPRs. Because we don’t have an agenda item, if you plan to speak, it will technically be under “unscheduled public appearances” when you fill out the speaker card. We will have copies of the ordinance available at the council meeting tonight if you would like to see the language. You can also reach out to us at info@eastvalleyunite.org.
People from across the political spectrum support our efforts. From democrats, to republicans, to socialists, to libertarians, the vast majority of people can see that ALPRs are unconstitutional warrantless mass surveillance. Let’s continue the fight to keep Flock and all ALPRs out of Chandler for good!
Now that Flock is gone, local residents want to make sure that another ALPR company, such as Axon, can’t take Flock’s place. “We don’t want the police to just continue this mass surveillance system under the name of another company,” said Taylortaft, “which is why we’re pushing for an ordinance to prohibit the city from using ALPRs in any way.” He says that could include stopping the city from contracting with a company for the purpose of using ALPRs, both fixed, like traditional Flock Falcon cameras, and mobile, such as those mounted to police vehicles, in addition to prohibiting accessing ALPR data from ALPRs on private property, such as those located at a Home Depot or Lowe’s location, or those used by HOA’s.
We got Flock out of Chandler. We still need everyone to show up on August 13! Now that Flock is out of our city, we need to ensure no ALPR company can take their place. Not Axon, not anyone. Join us to demand an ordinance blocking the city from using ANY ALPRs to prevent them from continuing this mass surveillance system through another company.
This is our last chance to tell the Chandler City Council to cancel their contract with Flock! We need to show up in BIG numbers to make our message clear. Wear red to signify your opposition to Flock.
In preparation for the city council meeting on August 13, we are organizing a community meeting so you can learn about automated license plate readers, and the most effective arguments to get the council to cancel the Flock contract.
Details at the link in the graphic.
#deflock #deflockchandler
As projected by NBC News.
Head to the link on the last slide, or eastvalleyunite.org/flock, to take action.
Report a Flock camera to our team at eastvalleyunite.org/flock
You can see our Chandler specific map and the DeFlock map at eastvalleyunite.org/flock
You can also see the nationwide map at DeFlock.org
Go to GoodTroubleLivesOn dot org to keep up the good trouble!
Help us get to half a million signatures and get this on the ballot! Go to EastValleyUnite dot org slash events for details.
Go to AZBridge dot org and choose a topic to take action!
Take action at AZBridge dot org!
The first of a series of posts explaining buzzwords that are often misused, to help you make sense of what they actually mean.
On June 14 we are having a series of 4 bridge brigades over the 60 in Mesa. We will have petitions for the Protect the Vote AZ campaign (which would enshrine vote by mail and early voting in the state constitution) on every bridge. Stop by to sign the petition and/or join the bridge brigade!
More information can be found at eastvalleyunite.org/flock