We’re almost at 1,500 signatures on our petition. How quickly can we get there? Share it with your loved ones! Here’s a brief update on the LPR happenings in and around Pima County.
AI Surveillance: Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
Deflock Tucson has partnered with ACLU Arizona to bring a digital hygiene workshop collaboratory. Learn how local governments and law enforcement agencies are using ALPRs to power an AI surveillance state in Arizona. Join us to learn what ALPRs are, how they’re used, who has access to your data, and how to protect your privacy.
In this workshop, we will share:
- How to identify different ALPR brands Flock, Axon, Motorola
- Ways to reduce your exposure and find out if you’ve been targeted
- What you can do to end mass surveillance contracts in your community
Join us this Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MST.
Spanish interpreters will be provided. This presentation is free and available to attend virtually or in-person. Tucson address and Zoom link will be provided one day prior to the event. Registration is required.
University of Arizona
In addition to the 62 Flock ALPRs, the University has purchased pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras that gather biometric data on any person in its view. They can pan 360o, tilt 220o, zoom 32x, and have a 328-foot range of view. They are motion activated and automatically detect people. Once a person is detected, the camera zooms in to capture high resolution footage. The camera follows the person for 15 seconds before zooming back out. AI software analyzes the photos to create a searchable database of things like hair color, gait, accessories, etc.
We have a records request pending with the University for information on these additional cameras. We wrote to the University on April 10, 2026 about the new cameras; no response was received. A copy of our letter can be viewed here.
Town of Oro Valley
We received no response to our letter sent to the Town of Oro Valley on April 10, 2026 which requested that the Town conduct a formal, independent investigation/study to analyze the effectiveness of the LPRs. We read the letter into the record at a recent Town Council meeting. A copy of our letter can be viewed here.. We also left some Deflock Tucson bumper stickers for the councilmembers and will continue speaking against surveillance.
Tucson
Keep an eye out for Tucson’s mid-June study session, where councilmembers will discuss the role ALPRs play in the City’s fight against illegal street racing. Join us in letting council know that ALPRs do not prevent crimes like street racing, and that the funds should be placed elsewhere to stop street racing before it starts.
Bumper Stickers
Check out our Deflock bumper stickers. If our data is being harvested, let’s do it in style!
Deflock Movie Night
Last week, we hosted a surveillance discussion and movie screening at SlowBody. Keep an eye out for our next movie event!
If you're interested in joining Deflock Tucson, please reach out via email at deflocktucson@pm.me. Thank you all for your continued support!