Matthews supports plate readers in theory but not until safeguards exist
Flagstaff City Council member running for reelection
“In theory, I support the technology behind automatic license plate readers and believe it could provide a significant benefit to law enforcement in Flagstaff by helping solve crimes more quickly and efficiently. However, I do not believe the necessary security measures and safeguards are fully in place yet, so I would not support the use of this technology at this time.”
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Arizona Daily Sun feature in its 2026 candidate question series, printing the written answers of Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates to a question about Flock cameras. The paper says the answers were limited to 150 words and printed unedited unless a candidate went over that limit.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit.
After the quotation
Matthews wrote that the technology should be distinguished from Flock, which she said has faced ongoing issues raising questions about data security, privacy and accountability. She said any future use must put local control, transparent policies and privacy protections first.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Matthews wrote that she supports the technology in theory and sees a benefit for police, but would not support its use now because safeguards are not in place. Her support depends on an unmet condition, so Mixed or conditional fits.
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- People and groups discussed
- Flock Safety
Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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