By Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale
As your mayor, I am working to ensure Scottsdale remains one of the safest and most desirable communities in America. But that commitment requires us to embrace 21st century tools to help protect residents while also respecting the privacy and freedoms that define our community.
Recently, I have heard questions about Scottsdale’s use of license plate reader technology and the Flock AI system. Those questions are understandable — I have some of my own. I believe that whenever government adopts new technology, residents deserve clear information about what the technology does, what it does not do, and how it is used.
I can admit that as a municipality, we didn’t do a very good job of explaining these new digital tools, so let me start with the facts:
- Scottsdale’s license plate reader system, including Flock AI tools, is designed to capture license plates and basic vehicle information visible on public roadways. It does not identify people.
- It does not use facial recognition.
- It does not track individuals or create personal profiles.
This 21st century technology compares license plates against databases associated with active, serious criminal investigations and alerts trained personnel when there is a potential match. Access to the system is restricted, logged and audited, and it is used only for legitimate law enforcement purposes exclusively.
In other words, this technology is focused on vehicles, not people. This is an important distinction.
The reason Scottsdale Police use these tools is simple: They help solve crimes and protect the public. The system has already assisted in recovering stolen vehicles, locating missing individuals and supporting investigations involving serious criminal activity. When time matters, having timely information can make a meaningful difference for victims, families and law enforcement officers working to keep our community safe.
At the same time, I believe public safety and privacy are not competing priorities. We can and must prioritize both.
Scottsdale residents expect their city government to use technology responsibly and transparently. They also expect accountability. That is why safeguards and oversight are critical components of any public safety program. Residents should know who can access these systems, why they are being used and what measures are in place to prevent misuse.
It is also important to understand what these systems are not.
License plate readers are separate from Scottsdale’s photo enforcement program. They serve different purposes and operate independently. Photo enforcement addresses traffic violations. License plate readers help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations and public safety concerns. Confusing the two can create unnecessary misunderstanding about how these programs function.
As technology continues to evolve, communities across the country are wrestling with the same questions Scottsdale residents are asking today. How do we use new tools effectively? How do we maintain public trust? How do we preserve privacy while giving law enforcement the resources they need to protect the public?
Those are reasonable questions, and they deserve thoughtful answers.
My view is straightforward: public safety tools should be judged by their effectiveness, accountability and respect for individual rights. If technology helps recover stolen vehicles, locate missing people and support legitimate investigations, it can provide real value to the community. At the same time, clear policies, oversight, restraint, and transparency must remain prioritized in the conversation.
Scottsdale has built its reputation on being both safe and welcoming. Residents expect their city to protect them without sacrificing the values that make this community special. I share that expectation.
As mayor, I will continue supporting efforts that enhance public safety while insisting on transparency, accountability and respect for privacy. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. In Scottsdale, they will go hand in hand.
Editor’s Note: Lisa Borowsky is serving her first term as mayor of Scottsdale.
