Prescott Valley updates license plate reader program to enhance public safety

During the Town Council Study Session held on June 5, 2025, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, discussions centered around the implementation and effectiveness of the town's new public safety technology, particularly the license plate recognition system and live feed cameras. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges and successes associated with these systems, which are aimed at enhancing community safety.

The Assistant Chief of Police reported that the installation of the new technology is progressing, albeit slower than anticipated. To date, the town has invested $152,000, with only $15,000 sourced from the Town Clock budget. The majority of funding has come from various grants, although the Assistant Chief noted a significant limitation: most grants are designed for new systems rather than the maintenance of existing ones. This raises concerns about the sustainability of the technology, as ongoing costs may eventually need to be covered by the town's general fund.

A key point of discussion was the impact of the new systems on crime rates. The Assistant Chief shared statistics indicating a 17% increase in arrests following the implementation of the license plate recognition system, suggesting a correlation between the technology and improved public safety outcomes. While he acknowledged that the data is not scientifically validated, he expressed confidence in the system's effectiveness, citing specific cases where arrests were made that might not have occurred otherwise.

Council members raised questions about the potential for integrating facial recognition technology into the existing system. The Assistant Chief confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and any future implementation would be guided by strict policies and training to ensure responsible use. Additionally, there was interest in refining data collection methods to better assess the system's effectiveness, with suggestions for tracking arrests specifically linked to the technology.

The meeting also addressed the technical aspects of the cameras, including their motion activation capabilities and the ability to manually control them. The Assistant Chief indicated that the town is exploring options to expand its camera network, estimating a need for approximately $250,000 annually to fully develop the system, which would include both fixed and live cameras.

In conclusion, the Town Council's discussions underscored the importance of the new public safety technologies in Prescott Valley, while also highlighting the financial and operational challenges that lie ahead. As the town continues to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems, the integration of advanced technologies and the pursuit of sustainable funding will be critical to enhancing community safety in the future.