What Are Flock Cameras?

Flock Safety cameras are Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems that capture images of passing vehicles and read license plate information. The system can also identify vehicle characteristics such as make, model, color, and other visible features to create searchable records.

Cottonwood's system is integrated with Flock Nova, a platform that allows authorized law enforcement users to search publicly available information related to vehicles and conduct searches across a nationwide network of participating agencies. According to publicly available information, thousands of law enforcement agencies participate in this network and may share data, depending on agency settings and agreements.

In Cottonwood, Flock cameras and related technology operate continuously, collecting vehicle data as cars travel through the community. This has raised important questions about privacy, oversight, data sharing, and public transparency.

Why We're Speaking Up

Fight the Flock Cottonwood is a community-led effort made up of neighbors from different backgrounds who believe decisions involving surveillance technology should be transparent, accountable, and include meaningful public participation.

Our concerns are not about supporting or opposing law enforcement. We appreciate the work our local police officers do every day to keep our community safe. Our concern is whether surveillance programs that affect every resident receive the public discussion, oversight, and safeguards they deserve.

Public records obtained by community members indicate that:

Flock cameras were first introduced in Cottonwood in 2021.
In 2025, the City approved a significant expansion of the Flock program, including additional cameras and a drone, through the consent agenda.
Cottonwood Police conducted more than 1,200 Flock database searches during 2025, with usage increasing in 2026.
Records produced by the City stated there were no separate policies, procedures, regulations, or agreements governing Flock data sharing and retention beyond the department's existing ALPR policy.

These findings have prompted many residents to ask whether existing safeguards provide adequate transparency and accountability.

Questions We're Asking

We believe residents deserve clear answers to important questions:

What information is being collected?
How long is it stored?
Who can search or access the data?
How widely is the information shared with other agencies?
What safeguards prevent misuse?
What local oversight exists?
How are residents informed about future expansions?
How can citizens participate in decisions about surveillance technology?

Our Goal

Our goal is simple: encourage informed public discussion and ensure that decisions affecting every resident are made openly, with transparency, accountability, and community involvement.

People can support both public safety and strong privacy protections. We believe these values should work together—not compete with one another.

Unity in the Community

Neighbors don't have to agree on every issue to agree that transparency matters.

Together, we can encourage informed conversations, responsible oversight, and meaningful public participation in decisions that affect our community.

Neighbors United to Protect Our Privacy.

Fight the Flock Makes Headlines

Our community's concerns about Flock Safety cameras continue to gain attention.

The Verde Independent recently featured Fight the Flock and the growing movement of residents advocating for transparency, privacy, and responsible oversight of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology in Cottonwood.

Read the article here:
https://www.verdenews.com/news/fight-the-flock-gains-momentum-in-cottonwood/article_ae3c6f38-28b3-400d-9530-1941e3711b71.html

We're grateful to everyone who has attended meetings, asked thoughtful questions, shared information with neighbors, and helped bring this issue into the public conversation.

Seven Voices for Transparency

One of the most inspiring moments in the Fight the Flock campaign came when seven Cottonwood residents addressed the City Council during public comment.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, but they all shared a common goal: encouraging transparency, accountability, and thoughtful public discussion about the use of Flock Safety's Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system in our community.

Speaking before a city council takes courage, and we're incredibly proud of each community member who took the time to prepare remarks and make their voice heard. Their participation reflects the very best of civic engagement and demonstrates the power of neighbors coming together to advocate for their community.

If you weren't able to attend the meeting, we invite you to watch the public comments below.

▶️ Watch Seven Community Members Address the Cottonwood City Council
https://livefreeaz.com

Together, we're building a community that values both public safety and civil liberties through transparency, accountability, and informed public dialogue.

Next Meeting

Will Be Announced Shortly

Sign Our Petition

Your voice matters.

If you believe our community deserves transparency, accountability, and thoughtful public discussion about the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, we invite you to add your name to our petition.

Every signature demonstrates that our community cares about protecting both public safety and civil liberties. Together, we're encouraging our local leaders to carefully consider the long-term impact of surveillance technology and to ensure these decisions are made openly and with meaningful public input.

Thank you for taking a stand with your neighbors. Every signature helps strengthen our collective voice.

Sign our Petition Here