Scottsdale plans to end its contract with Flock Safety when it expires June 30, 2027, while developing new rules for the city’s use of automated license-plate readers, or ALPRs. The City Council voted unanimously on a broad motion directing staff to review how the contract can be terminated, assess costs and data-disposition requirements, and prepare for a possible transition to another vendor. City leaders were also directed not to include funding for the Flock contract in the proposed fiscal 2027-28 budget. The vote followed a presentation by police officials defending the cameras’ public-safety benefits. The technology has drawn scrutiny from residents concerned about mass surveillance and potential misuse of vehicle-location data. Several Arizona cities have also moved away from Flock systems. Staff will draft an ordinance for council consideration at its Dec. 1 meeting. The rules are expected to cover data ownership, privacy and security, and include criminal penalties for misuse. The city also plans to evaluate other vendors that could give it greater control over data and how it is shared. The council’s motion calls for an initial independent audit followed by annual reviews by the City Auditor. It also directs staff to consider limiting which employees can access ALPR systems and information, requiring annual training and signed user attestations, and shortening the current data-retention period if appropriate. The proposed safeguards would prohibit federal access to Scottsdale’s ALPR data except when legally required, such as through a valid subpoena or warrant. Staff will also explore a public webpage listing law-enforcement technologies used by the city and return with further oversight recommendations. Mayor Lisa Borowsky said the city should protect public safety and residents’ privacy together. She described the planned ordinance as an opportunity to put protections into law and increase transparency. The vote sets a direction for the city, but the contract review, vendor evaluation and ordinance still require further work. Staff is also tasked with developing a transition plan intended to preserve public-safety capabilities if Scottsdale changes providers.