Author: Jafet Serrato
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Concerns are growing over the use of cameras at the University of Arizona that can read license plates. A media report claims that immigration officials may have accessed data from these cameras, which are operated by the company Flock Safety. University police, however, maintain that third parties cannot access the data without their permission.
Some students and professors are expressing their worries about how the data collected from these cameras is used.
“I’ve never noticed them before,” said Ignacio Burgueno, a University of Arizona student, referring to the automated license plate readers (ALPRs) installed around campus.
The cameras, which are used by university police, are part of a network of at least 50 ALPRs scattered throughout the campus. This information comes from “Deflock,” an independent project opposing the use of these devices.
“I feel like we’re just being watched,” said a female student at the university.
University of Arizona Police Chief Chris Olson stated that the ALPR system “strengthens our ability to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.”
Leila Hudson, a University of Arizona professor and elected chair of the faculty senate, agrees that such monitoring systems can enhance public safety but calls for more transparency.
“What are the legal perimeters around the collection, storage, retention, ownership, and sharing of data,” said Hudson.
Concerns have intensified following a report from AZPM, which highlights community members’ worries about potential access by immigration officials to data from Flock Safety’s cameras.
“It’s very concerning,” Hudson said.
The University of Arizona Police Department stated on Wednesday that their system protocols “comply with privacy laws and regulations, records are deleted after 30 days.” They also emphasized that “Third-party access to the data is prohibited without prior approval from UAPD or a court order.”
Despite these assurances, questions remain about the cameras’ operations and data handling.
“I would definitely want some information about it,” said Burgueno.
Hudson has also sought more information from the university administration and welcomes further discussion on this issue.
Flock Safety sent News 4 Tucson sent us this statement in part:
“All Flock customers own 100% of the data from their cameras. No outside agency can access another community’s data unless the local agency explicitly chooses to share it. The University of Arizona Police Department owns and controls its camera data and decides if, when, and with whom to share.
It is also important to be clear about what Flock LPR cameras do, and do not, capture. They capture images of vehicles traveling on roadways. The system does not track people, does not use facial recognition, and does not collect personally identifiable information such as names, phone numbers, or home addresses.
Flock Safety does not have a contractual relationship with ICE or any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency. In the past, Flock engaged in limited pilot programs with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) focused on combating human trafficking and fentanyl distribution. All federal pilots are currently paused.”
To see the full statement from UA Police Chief Olson read below:
“This license plate reader system strengthens our ability to maintain a safe and secure campus environment. Operated under established protocols that comply with privacy laws and regulations, records are deleted after 30 days. Third-party access to the data is prohibited without prior approval from UAPD or a court order.”
Deflock Tucson 
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