Council approves Nighthawk software contract after debate; one no vote over data and civil liberties concerns

The Phoenix City Council on April 23 approved a contract for Nighthawk software licenses for the Phoenix Police Department after deliberation; the contract passed by roll call with one councilmember voting no.

Councilwoman Anna Hernandez explained her no vote on the floor, saying she appreciated meetings with police leadership and that she understood how the software can aid investigations, but she had "a lot of questions around the data collection and the protection of constitutional rights." Hernandez said she would "err on the side of caution" for her community and their rights and thus voted no while expressing a desire to continue conversations with the police chief and staff.

Mayor and other members of the council spoke in favor and the final roll call recorded the motion as passing (7–1). Hernandez thanked Chief Orinder and the police team for meeting with her office but said unresolved questions on capability and safeguards informed her vote.

The motion to approve the software contract was moved and seconded on the floor; the transcript does not include the contract dollar amount, term length, or the detailed privacy safeguards under consideration. Hernandez's remarks identify the key points of concern the councilmember expects staff and the police to address in follow-up discussions.