Tempe This Week Sept. 21, 2026

An updated version of a proposed ban on City use of automated license plate readers for law enforcement will go before the Tempe City Council for its first reading Thursday, Sept. 24. Community members are invited to attend and share their thoughts directly with Council.

The proposed ordinance has changed since the version shared at the Sept. 9 public information sessions and through the community survey. The updated draft removes exceptions that allowed Tempe Police to use ALPR data from other agencies during some multi-agency investigations and to search outside ALPR systems when looking for a missing or endangered person.

Tempe could still receive and use ALPR data, including in missing or endangered person investigations, through a lawful search warrant, court order or subpoena, as long as the City did not request or arrange the original ALPR search.

The updated draft also adds language addressing employee violations, including situations where a supervisor directs an employee to violate the ordinance.

The proposed ordinance ban of the use of ALPRs would be included in Tempe City Code. Council will not vote on the proposal Sept. 24. It requires a second reading before a final vote.

First Reading - Votes Will Not Be Taken
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6 p.m.
Tempe City Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St.
Community members are invited to share their thoughts directly with Council. Visit tempe.gov/clerk for meeting information and instructions for submitting comments or requesting to speak.

Additional Public Meeting
Two community information sessions will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Virtual meeting at noon
Register in advance for this meeting :

In-person meeting at 6 p.m.
Pyle Center, 655 E. Southern Ave.