The City of Surprise has temporarily suspended its use of automated license plate readers and placed a Surprise Police Department officer on administrative leave after an audit uncovered a possible misuse of the camera system, officials said.
Investigation launched after audit flags irregularity
City officials announced the pause after an internal audit identified an irregularity related to the department’s automated license plate reader (ALPR) program. The officer will remain on leave while the department completes an investigation into the matter.
“Public trust is of the highest importance to the Surprise Police Department and maintaining that trust requires transparency and accountably [sic],” Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher said in a statement.
Chief Becher said the department is treating the incident seriously and has taken immediate steps to halt the program, investigate the issue and inform the community. He emphasized the department’s desire to keep ALPR technology available as a public safety tool while improving safeguards.
ALPR use in Surprise and the statewide context
Surprise began using ALPR technology more than two years ago and city officials said it has assisted in solving numerous crimes. Still, the recent audit prompted leaders to stop data collection and review internal controls before any reimplementation.
The announcement comes amid a wave of similar actions in other Arizona jurisdictions. In the same week, an Apache Junction officer resigned after an internal investigation found personal misuse of a Flock system to track a spouse. Goodyear public safety officials said an officer there was under investigation for possible ALPR misuse, and Tempe halted data sharing from Flock cameras amid public concern. Chandler also reported a possible misuse that led the department to shut down its system.
City officials in Surprise did not confirm whether the cameras in the city are part of the Flock network. The department said it will develop or strengthen safeguards that both prevent and detect improper access or use before restoring the program.
Local consequences and next steps
For Surprise residents, the suspension means temporary cessation of automated license-plate scans used by the police department. Officials have not provided a timeline for when — or if — the program will resume. The department’s stated priorities are completing the internal investigation and putting in place “enhanced protections” for the technology.
- Action taken: ALPR program suspended
- Personnel: One officer placed on leave pending investigation
- Review: Audit initiated and internal probe ongoing
Surprise leaders also underscored the balance local governments face between leveraging technology to solve crimes and protecting civil liberties. While city officials credited ALPRs with helping to solve serious offenses, they said future use must come with robust oversight.
| Jurisdiction | Action this week |
|---|---|
| Surprise | Suspended ALPR program; officer on leave; internal investigation |
| Apache Junction | Officer resigned after internal investigation into personal tracking |
| Goodyear | Officer under investigation for possible misuse |
| Tempe | Stopped data sharing from Flock cameras |
| Chandler | Shut down camera use after possible misuse |
City officials did not provide additional details about the nature of the alleged misuse in Surprise or a timeline for the audit’s completion. Residents with questions were directed to official Surprise Police Department communications for updates.
The situation highlights growing public scrutiny in Arizona over automated surveillance tools and how they are governed. As Surprise reviews its ALPR policies, city leaders say they intend to ensure stronger accountability mechanisms to both deter potential misuse and maintain the public’s confidence in law enforcement.
