Chandler Considers Ending Contract with Flock Safety Amid Privacy Concerns
In a move that highlights ongoing debates over privacy and surveillance, the Chandler City Council is deliberating whether to terminate its relationship with Flock Safety, a company known for its surveillance technology. Although a final decision is not anticipated before mid-July, residents have recently observed three camera installations in the city’s downtown area.
According to city officials, these newly spotted license plate readers are not additions but part of a planned relocation within the Galveston neighborhood. This relocation was approved by the council earlier this year in February. In response to privacy concerns raised by residents, the cameras were previously removed from their original locations in May. They have now been repositioned at key intersections, including Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road and Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road.
The initiative with Flock began as a pilot program in 2024, aiming to address firearm-related crimes in the Galveston area through the deployment of gunshot detection and automated license plate reader technologies. However, following community opposition, the city discontinued the use of gunshot detection technology in 2025.
Currently, Chandler’s contract with Flock encompasses up to 40 operational license plate readers. The future of this contract remains uncertain as the city evaluates whether to renew it.
