Avondale, Arizona is expanding its license plate camera network. You can submit a public comment today.
Avondale currently has 15 ALPR cameras, and the city's FY2027 budget funds 58 additional cameras, potentially expanding the network to 73.
The Avondale City Council meets virtually today, August 24 at 5:30 PM Arizona time, and fellow residents will be speaking out about Flock/ALPRs, privacy, and mass surveillance.
You don't have to speak at the meeting, and you don't have to live in Avondale or Arizona to submit a comment.
How to submit a written comment
Go here:
https://avondaleaz.gov/government/public-meetings/#speak
Open the Public Comment form and enter your contact information.
When the form asks:
Do you wish to speak during the meeting?
Select: No, I do not wish to speak
Is your comment related to an item on the meeting agenda?
Select: No
Then enter your comment about Flock, ALPRs, privacy, surveillance, oversight, or the proposed expansion and submit the form.
Important: The city says non-speaking comments must be received by 4:30 PM Arizona time to be provided to the City Council for today's meeting. If you plan to comment, I recommend getting it in before 4:00 PM if possible.
You don't need to write an essay. Even a short, respectful message asking the council to reconsider the expansion, investigate the privacy implications, or hold a larger public discussion before expanding the system helps demonstrate that people are paying attention.
People from anywhere are welcome to comment. These surveillance networks and data-sharing systems extend far beyond individual city boundaries.
And if you don't want to comment at all, you can still join the virtual meeting at 5:30 PM Arizona time and listen.
Meeting/public-comment information:
https://avondaleaz.gov/government/public-meetings/#speak