Tempe City Data Breach: How to Report

Technology and Data Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona residents and contractors must report known or suspected data breaches of city systems promptly to limit harm and meet legal obligations. This guide explains what to report, who enforces rules for city systems, and the steps Tempe expects for initial notification and escalation. It covers practical actions for affected individuals and departments, how to preserve evidence, and where to find official city contacts to submit incident details.

What to report

Report any unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, or suspected compromise of information stored, processed, or transmitted by Tempe city systems, including employee records, resident records, public safety data, and vendor-held municipal data.

  • Type of incident (breach, loss, theft or unauthorized disclosure).
  • Data categories affected (names, SSNs, financial or health information).
  • Date and time when the incident was discovered or likely occurred.
  • Systems, servers or services involved and any known indicators of compromise.
  • Contact information for the reporting party and any affected individuals or departments.
Preserve logs, device images, and chain-of-custody for any evidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Tempe does not publish specific municipal fines for data breaches on its public information technology pages; fines, penalties and escalation procedures are not specified on the cited Tempe pages cited below. Enforcement typically involves city information technology staff, the City Attorney for civil enforcement, and the Tempe Police Department for criminal investigations when applicable.[1][2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited Tempe pages.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited Tempe pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate, civil actions by the City Attorney, or criminal referral to law enforcement may apply depending on facts; specific remedies not specified on the cited Tempe pages.
  • Enforcers: Tempe Information Technology and the Tempe Police Department coordinate technical response and investigation; the City Attorney handles legal enforcement.
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited Tempe pages; contact the City Attorney for procedures.
If you suspect criminal activity, contact police immediately and do not alter evidence.

Applications & Forms

The City of Tempe does not publish a public incident report form for data breaches on the IT or police pages cited below; submission is handled through designated department contacts or police reporting channels as described on the official pages.[1][2]

Action steps

  • Immediately preserve system logs, device images, and relevant records.
  • Report the incident to Tempe Information Technology security contact and to Tempe Police if you suspect a crime.[1][2]
  • Follow IT containment instructions: isolate affected systems and change credentials where advised.
  • Notify affected individuals as directed by the city or legal counsel; document your notifications and dates.

FAQ

How do I report a suspected data breach in Tempe city systems?
Contact Tempe Information Technology security and, if criminal activity is suspected, contact Tempe Police. Use the official departmental contacts listed in Help and Support / Resources below.[1][2]
What information should I include in my report?
Include incident type, affected data categories, system names, discovery date/time, and contact information for the reporter and affected parties.
Are there fees or fines for data breaches?
Specific municipal fines or fees for breaches are not specified on the cited Tempe pages; state or federal penalties may apply depending on the law.

How-To

  1. Identify and preserve evidence: collect logs, note times, and secure devices.
  2. Notify Tempe Information Technology security via the official IT contact channel listed below.[1]
  3. If you suspect criminal conduct, file a police report with Tempe Police through their reporting page.[2]
  4. Follow instructions from IT or police for containment, remediation, and notification to affected individuals.
  5. Document all actions, communications, and dates for review by city counsel or auditors.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected breaches promptly to Tempe IT and police to reduce harm.
  • Preserve evidence and follow official containment directions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tempe Information Technology - official IT department page
  2. [2] Tempe Police - Report a Crime Online

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