Matthews supports plate readers in theory but not until safeguards exist
Lori MatthewsFlagstaff City Council member running for reelection
Flagstaff City Council member Lori Matthews said she supports automatic license plate reader technology in theory but would not support its use in Flagstaff until security measures and safeguards are fully in place.
“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.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Networked automated license-plate readers record passing vehicles and let agencies search or share travel records across locations. Candidates and officials disagree over whether to prohibit these networks, keep them with legal limits, or defend their use for investigations. This tracker records attributable positions on that choice, including proposals that would affect only public funding or data access.
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
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.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Flock Safety
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Read the full caseJacob Burnett says Flock-style cameras should be done away with, with warrants required if they stay
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“I believe flock cameras should be banned.”Read statement
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“Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to balance public safety with appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Matthews supports plate readers in theory but not until safeguards exist". First published: 2026-09-29. Last updated: 2026-09-29. https://disputeindex.com/events/3144-flagstaff-city-council-member-lori-matthews-said-she