Police Chief message: License plate reader technology

Published on September 08, 2026

A message from Marana Police Chief Jeffrey Pridgett: 

We understand that license plate reader technology can raise questions and concerns about privacy. The Marana Police Department believes our community deserves to understand how we use this technology, why we use it, and the safeguards we have in place.

We are aware of information circulating on social media platforms claiming that the Marana Police Department has Flock cameras in the Town. The Marana Police Department does not use Flock cameras. MPD uses Vigilant Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, supported by Motorola, for public safety and investigations.

ALPR cameras capture vehicle information, including license plate numbers, vehicle images, date and time, location, and certain vehicle characteristics. The technology is used for legitimate law enforcement and public safety purposes, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with criminal investigations, locating wanted persons associated with vehicles, and helping locate missing or endangered persons. 

We do not use our ALPR technology to monitor the everyday activities of community members. Department policy specifically prohibits using ALPR technology for personal curiosity, political or commercial purposes, monitoring people or groups based solely on protected characteristics or First Amendment-protected activities, or any purpose unrelated to a legitimate law enforcement function.

Our policy establishes safeguards governing who can access ALPR information, how it may be used, how it is retained and shared, and how we audit system activity. Access is limited to trained and authorized employees who use individual credentials. A search must have a documented, legitimate law enforcement purpose and include a case number and an official investigative reference.

What our ALPR technology does not do:

1.        It does not use facial recognition technology.

2.        It does not identify or collect personal information about drivers or passengers simply by capturing a license plate.

3.        It is not used for personal, political, or commercial purposes.

4.        It is not used to conduct surveillance without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

5.        An ALPR alert alone is not grounds for enforcement action. Officers must independently verify relevant information before taking action.

ALPR information may be shared only for legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes, and electronic sharing with outside agencies must occur through approved agreements, authorized information-sharing systems, or other Department-approved methods. MPD personnel are prohibited from releasing ALPR information to unauthorized individuals, businesses, or organizations unless permitted by law.

The Marana Police Department uses technology to help keep our community safe, but we recognize that public safety and individual privacy must go hand in hand. We commit to using these tools responsibly, transparently, and under appropriate oversight.

Together we will set the standard for service, trust, and partnerships that keep Marana safe.