Gilbert Town Council approves the purchase of additional license plate readers for the police department.
June 9, 2025 at 5:00 PMGilbert Sun NewsCybersecurity
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Gilbert's Town Council has approved the purchase of more license plate readers to enhance public safety, despite privacy concerns from some members.
The Gilbert Town Council approved a police request to buy more license plate readers despite two members' concerns about privacy of the data they collect.Council members Jim Torgeson and Monte Lyons both voted against the measure June 10 that allows police to buy 17 readers.Town Manager Patrick Banger explained that the town already has a contract with Flock Safety, a public safety technology company, for Gilbert Police Department's existing license plate reader program, and staff is seeking to procure more readers and related services through the same contract. He said the additional units will be used in locations like the Heritage District parking garages and some other areas, "serving as a proactive force multiplier to identify vehicles/suspects wanted for crimes."The town has a five-year contract with Flock Safety from January 2024 totaling $349,904 over the five years. The new order will add about $280,000 to the contract amount.