Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?

Before the statement

At a Sept. 25, 2026 WPRI debate with Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Loughlin said license-plate reader data is 'available to anyone with a password and a grudge' and said he supports communities that are choosing to remove the cameras.

After the statement

The Providence Journal reported that Loughlin said officers should need a search warrant and probable cause to access the footage, and that while the cameras helped solve crimes, 'it doesn't justify round-the-clock, 24/7 surveillance on Rhode Islanders.'

Before the statement

Rheingans is among the lawmakers behind a Michigan House bill that, WNEM reported, would require a court order before captured plate data is sent to law enforcement outside Michigan.

After the statement

She also called license plate readers "one part of the whole puzzle of artificial intelligence and a surveillance state" and tied that to what she called the "Trump regime." WNEM reported that the bill was headed to the House Judiciary Committee.

Before the statement

At a September 23 public forum, Parisi said he wanted substantial changes to the next Flock contract or he would oppose it.

After the statement

In a joint statement with Sheriff Imperati two days later, Parisi said county officials would take steps to discontinue Flock use.

Before the statement

Imperati had supported the county's Flock network for criminal investigations and public safety before a forum where residents opposed it.

After the statement

He and District Attorney Parisi said they would work with county officials to discontinue Flock use while addressing contract and operational obligations.

Before the statement

Dutchess residents had opposed the county's Flock network at a public forum. The district attorney and sheriff then announced a change in position.

After the statement

Serino said she would not renew the contract and would recommend reallocating the money planned for license-plate readers.

Before the statement

Anders responded to Sen. Mike Oliverio's proposal for local custody of Flock data and warrants for some searches. He said local storage would not resolve the initial collection of records.

After the statement

Anders said technology should help officers pursue suspects without treating every driver as a potential suspect.

Before the statement

The Sun Patriot asked both Carver County sheriff candidates what approach the office should take toward Flock cameras and other license plate readers and published their unedited written answers, limited to 100 words each. Her opponent, Chief Deputy Patrick Barry, answered first that he does not support deploying Flock cameras as designed without stronger safeguards and community input.

After the statement

In a later answer in the same questionnaire, Heger wrote that she has worked patrol, investigations, crime scene team and as a 911 dispatcher, and that she now works for the state's top law enforcement investigative agency.

Before the statement

The Sun Patriot asked both Carver County sheriff candidates what approach the office should take toward Flock cameras and other license plate readers and published their unedited written answers, limited to 100 words each.

After the statement

His opponent, Jessica Heger, answered that she would not pursue license plate readers at this time. In the same questionnaire, Barry said he has served nearly eight years as the office's chief deputy.

Before the statement

VPM asked the candidates in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District for their stance on the use of Flock or other automatic license plate readers in the district. Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans and independent Matt Baker did not answer, and Democratic candidate Elaine Luria answered that her priorities would be public safety and protecting constitutional rights.

After the statement

In his next answer in the survey, Staten named affordability and infrastructure as the largest issue facing the district.

Before the statement

At a Bristol Town Council candidate forum on Sept. 24, 2026, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island and the East Bay Media Group, candidates answered questions about the council's approval of one Rhode Island State Police Flock camera. Remarks are as transcribed, and edited for clarity, by Steve Ahlquist.

After the statement

Councilor Mary Parella then said Bristol put guardrails in place before approving the camera and that the approval sunsets in 18 months.

Before the statement

At a Bristol Town Council candidate forum on Sept. 24, 2026, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island and the East Bay Media Group, candidates answered questions about the council's approval of one Rhode Island State Police Flock camera. Remarks are as transcribed, and edited for clarity, by Steve Ahlquist. Calouro began his answer by describing his trust in the Bristol police department and chief.

After the statement

Councilor Anthony Teixeira then said he voted in favor of the camera and would do so again.

Before the statement

At a Bristol Town Council candidate forum on Sept. 24, 2026, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island and the East Bay Media Group, candidates answered questions about the council's approval of one Rhode Island State Police Flock camera. Remarks are as transcribed, and edited for clarity, by Steve Ahlquist. Earlier in his answer, Ley said Flock could be the proverbial camel's nose under the tent if the town does not draw a line on surveillance.

After the statement

Councilor Timothy Sweeney then said the council required audits, allowed only one camera and must approve any more, and that state legislation must happen as soon as possible.

Before the statement

WSFA reported that U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Raphael Warnock had asked the Justice Department for guidance on preventing misuse of Flock cameras. Jones told WSFA that the cameras had "done some good in law enforcement" but that "we moved too fast without considering the possible consequences." WSFA reported that he said, at minimum, Flock cameras need restrictions and higher penalties for misuse.

After the statement

WSFA reported that it left requests for comment with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican candidate for governor, and did not hear back.

Before the statement

Landau introduced a Philadelphia City Council resolution asking Pennsylvania lawmakers to ban or strengthen rules for automatic license-plate readers.

After the statement

She described emerging surveillance technology as a risk when left unchecked and said Flock was one of several companies in the field.

Before the statement

Chotzen discussed the planned 2027 proposal and his constituents' privacy concerns with the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

After the statement

He acknowledged tradeoffs between privacy and security and said his community wants stronger protection against surveillance.

Before the statement

Steube introduced the FLAFO Act in the U.S. House.

After the statement

His proposal also ties some federal grants to similar state and local safeguards.

Before the statement

Port City Daily asked Breen whether he would make reducing North Carolina's 90-day retention period for Flock camera data to seven days a legislative priority.

After the statement

Breen answered yes, supported independent audits and raised concerns about warrantless searches and the surveillance of drivers not suspected of crimes.

Before the statement

Port City Daily asked Harris whether he would prioritize reducing the state retention period for Flock camera data from 90 days to seven days.

After the statement

Harris answered yes and added that access should be limited to a defined set of organizations or agencies.

Before the statement

Port City Daily asked Combes whether North Carolina should reduce the retention period for Flock camera data from 90 days to seven days.

After the statement

Combes said he would introduce legislation to shorten retention, restrict access and require reporting on how the data is used.

Before the statement

Port City Daily asked Bichler whether she would prioritize changing North Carolina law to reduce the retention period for Flock camera data from 90 days to seven days.

After the statement

She proposed written case numbers for searches, public records of who searched and penalties for misuse.

Before the statement

Warnock and Britt jointly wrote the Justice Department about ALPR misuse.

After the statement

The letter addressed unauthorized access and oversight, not the existence of camera networks.

Before the statement

Britt and Raphael Warnock sent the Justice Department a letter on automated license-plate readers.

After the statement

She explicitly supported the technology's aim and called for safeguards rather than a ban.

Before the statement

Appen Media asked the nominees for Fulton County Commission chair for their views on Flock Safety and the backlash against it, and published their answers unedited. Tatum wrote that the national record has been misuse, which he called government overreach he would not support, and that the county should not expand or renew any surveillance camera contract without short data retention, a warrant or court order for sharing outside the county, a public search log, independent audits and a right to cancel.

After the statement

In the same Q&A, his Democratic opponent, Mo Ivory, wrote that she is deeply troubled by privacy violations and by the use of these systems to gather information on citizens.

Before the statement

Virginia public media stations asked congressional candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license plate readers in their districts. The answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.

After the statement

VPM noted that her opponent, Rep. Rob Wittman, did not respond to the questionnaire and had not publicly stated a stance on Flock.

Before the statement

ABC7 Chicago reported on a Naperville officer who admitted to investigators that he searched a man on Flock cameras at least 150 times, and on a possible gap in Illinois law for prosecuting such misuse. ABC7 reported that Grasse introduced legislation earlier in 2026 to make sure Illinois municipalities have safeguards around the technology.

After the statement

ABC7 reported that the bill is in the rules committee and that it is unclear if or when the full legislature may consider it.

Before the statement

The Smoky Mountain News interviewed the five challengers in the Jackson County Board of Commissioners race and reported bipartisan support among the candidates for defunding Flock cameras.

After the statement

The article next profiles District 2 candidate Sean Bridgers, who also said he would vote to defund the cameras.

Before the statement

Dillie spoke at the Focus on the Future forum hosted by Savannah Indivisible, where candidates and state leaders took questions on data centers, Flock cameras and other issues.

After the statement

Dillie faces incumbent Republican Rep. Bill Hitchens in the Nov. 3 general election.

Before the statement

The host asked Hatley about Flock cameras during a campaign interview.

After the statement

Hatley said he was strongly opposed, criticized cost and privacy effects, and favored more detectives.

Before the statement

Booker was questioning witnesses about automated license-plate readers at a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing.

After the statement

His remarks described the present balance between public safety and privacy as unacceptable.

Before the statement

Blumenthal spoke after a Senate hearing on Flock's camera network and the absence of invited company executives.

After the statement

He identified retention periods and national-database restrictions as possible areas of bipartisan agreement.

Before the statement

Port City Daily's September 23 election roundup linked a questionnaire asking legislative candidates whether North Carolina should reduce the storage period for Flock camera data.

After the statement

Merrick supported a seven-day limit, with longer preservation for specific criminal or missing-person investigations or pursuant to a warrant.

Before the statement

Port City Daily's September 23 election roundup linked a questionnaire asking legislative candidates whether North Carolina should reduce the storage period for Flock camera data.

After the statement

Scalise said he supported a shorter storage period, stronger guardrails and greater penalties for abuse, while noting those measures might still not resolve his concerns.

Before the statement

A Senate hearing examined Flock's national surveillance network and cases of misuse.

After the statement

Durbin asked Congress to take the lead on oversight and accountability.

Before the statement

Giannoulias spoke as a U.S. Senate subcommittee examined Flock's network.

After the statement

His office described prior Illinois limits on immigration and reproductive-health searches.

Before the statement

In a Q&A with The Red & Black, edited for clarity by the paper, Strickland was asked how he would balance police tools such as automatic license plate readers against concerns about government surveillance and privacy.

After the statement

Strickland said that as attorney general he would work with the legislature on any state law and with local agencies on uniform procedures so the cameras are not abused.

Before the statement

The Plymouth City Council voted to discontinue its Flock cameras.

After the statement

Wosje cast the only dissenting vote.

Before the statement

The Center Square asked Pennsylvania House candidates about Flock and similar systems.

After the statement

He proposed guardrails for legitimate public-safety uses, not an outright ban.

Before the statement

The Center Square asked Brooks about Flock cameras in his Pennsylvania House race.

After the statement

His objection is to storing innocent people's information, not all use of the cameras.

Before the statement

The Center Square asked candidates in competitive Pennsylvania House races about Flock cameras.

After the statement

He also contrasted fixed Flock networks with plate readers used in police cruisers.

Before the statement

Perry was asked about Flock cameras and similar ALPR systems in his congressional race.

After the statement

His amendment targeted federal highway funding; the quotation states a broader objection to the network.

Before the statement

Virginia's public media stations asked congressional candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license plate readers in their districts. Answers were lightly edited for style and clarity. Her opponent, Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith, did not respond to the full questionnaire and gave no answer on the question.

After the statement

In her next answer in the survey, Powers said the biggest challenge facing the district is whether working people can afford to build a life and stay there.

Before the statement

Virginia's public media stations asked 6th District candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license-plate readers. Rep. Ben Cline did not respond to the survey, and the outlets summarized his earlier call for Virginia localities to stop using Flock.

After the statement

Macy's answer was the last response to the question. Cline did not fill out the questionnaire, so the outlets summarized his public statements instead.

Before the statement

At a League of Women Voters Aurora Area forum, the moderator asked whether the Sheriff's Office should be able to search Flock cameras run by municipalities without their permission. Villagrana said he wants to make sure voters are "OK with this overkill of data and surveillance going around."

After the statement

His Republican opponent, Undersheriff Bobby Richardson, said at the same forum that searches of other agencies' cameras should rest on prior permission and that the Sheriff's Office audits its searches.

Before the statement

At a League of Women Voters Aurora Area forum, the moderator asked whether the Sheriff's Office should be able to search Flock cameras run by municipalities such as Oswego without their permission, and who audits such searches. Richardson said "unfettered access" to the license-plate reader system should not happen.

After the statement

Richardson said the Sheriff's Office runs 30-day audits and random audits, and that an incident or report number must be entered to look up any license plate.

Before the statement

Ensler discussed Flock during an interview about his statewide campaign.

After the statement

He cited kidnappings and misuse concerns while arguing for regulation.

Before the statement

WAJR interviewed the three candidates in West Virginia Senate District 13.

After the statement

Richmond cited constitutional concerns and private security footage as an alternative.

Before the statement

Oliverio answered questions about Flock in his state Senate race.

After the statement

He said the sheriff, not the vendor, should control the data.

Before the statement

CBS News Texas asked Middleton whether police should be able to search ALPR databases.

After the statement

He cited a stolen-vehicle recovery and proposed guardrails, not abolition.

Before the statement

CBS News Texas asked Johnson whether license-plate readers should continue to be used.

After the statement

He proposed controlled investigative use, including warrants in some cases, rather than a ban.

Before the statement

The Fresno Bee asked both District 1 candidates about the Fresno Police Department's Flock contract, which expires in 2026. Singh said he does not believe the city should renew it without answers to basic questions, and asked how many crimes are solved per hundred thousand records searched, who can access the footage, and whether the data can be sold to third parties.

After the statement

Earlier in the same article, his opponent Rob Fuentes told the Bee the city should not renew the Flock contract.

Before the statement

The Fresno Bee asked both District 1 candidates about the Fresno Police Department's three-year Flock contract, which expires in 2026 and cost roughly $1.5 million. The Bee reported that local advocacy groups have urged the council not to renew it, while Fresno police say the roughly 70 cameras are useful tools for investigators.

After the statement

His opponent, Naindeep Singh, told the Bee he does not believe the city should renew the Flock contract without answers to basic questions.

Before the statement

Avula addressed Richmond residents after renewed criticism of the city's Flock contract.

After the statement

He proposed a shorter retention period and a review of the vendor relationship.

Before the statement

The Monongalia County Commission approved up to $180,000 in opioid settlement funds in November 2025 for 20 Flock cameras, and The Dominion Post asked both commission candidates about the system. Lytle said the sheriff's current use does not violate citizens' rights, that he wants a volunteer committee to review every use of the system and each outside request for county data, and that he would not immediately vote to turn off the cameras.

After the statement

In the same article, his Democratic opponent, Julie Knight, said she opposes the cameras because no local contract or guardrails can keep others who hold the data from sharing or accessing it.

Before the statement

Virginia public media stations asked congressional candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license plate readers in their districts. The answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.

After the statement

Murray went on to say he supports moving the cameras inside local, state and federal government buildings, which he said would help constituents oversee their elected officials.

Before the statement

Virginia public media stations asked congressional candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license plate readers in their districts. The answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.

After the statement

She added that as a state legislator she supported legislation on retaining surveillance video, and that Virginia law now requires license plate reader data to be destroyed after 21 days, with exceptions.

Before the statement

The Fresno Bee asked both District 7 candidates about Fresno police use of Flock cameras. The city's three-year contract, which expires in 2026, cost roughly $1.5 million and covers about 70 cameras.

After the statement

She said the public deserves a full account of every surveillance technology Fresno police use before any extension, and that if the city cannot earn that trust it should invest the $1.5 million in Advance Peace and other community crime-reduction programs.

Before the statement

The Fresno Bee asked both District 7 candidates about Fresno police use of Flock cameras. The city's three-year contract, which expires in 2026, cost roughly $1.5 million and covers about 70 cameras.

After the statement

His opponent, Ariana Martínez Lott, told the Bee she opposes renewal unless the city earns public trust through transparency and safeguards.

Before the statement

Avila was asked at a Tampa Tiger Bay Club event about the campaign position on automated license-plate cameras.

After the statement

He said the campaign had asked local sheriffs and police chiefs for recommendations.

Before the statement

The candidate questionnaire asked whether Flock cameras should continue to be used in Minnesota.

After the statement

Clardy cited West St. Paul's rejection of the cameras and concerns about federal access to data.

Before the statement

The candidate questionnaire asked whether Flock cameras should continue to be used in Minnesota.

After the statement

Gubash proposed deleting data unrelated to investigations after about 30 days and requiring permission or legal process for outside agencies to access local records.

Before the statement

Before the Sept. 22, 2026 District 3 runoff, 256 Today asked Peinder and incumbent Jennie Robinson what the city should do with its Flock camera system. Peinder first said many residents were dissatisfied and that she did not remember the community being educated on the system, let alone agreeing to be surveilled.

After the statement

Peinder said that while the contract remains in place she would push the council to release audit logs, and that when the contract comes up in January she would vote against it.

Before the statement

Before the Sept. 22, 2026 District 3 runoff, 256 Today asked Robinson and challenger Liliana Peinder what the city should do with its Flock camera system.

After the statement

Robinson added that private data must be kept private and said the city will need to look carefully at data safeguards when its next contract comes up.

Before the statement

Wyden and Senator Adam Schiff cited reported misuse of Flock searches, unauthorized access and proposed expansion of the network.

After the statement

Their joint letter sought answers about search controls, access limits and data sharing, and asked Flock to preserve related records.

Before the statement

Schiff and Senator Ron Wyden cited reported misuse of Flock searches, unauthorized access and proposed expansion of the network.

After the statement

Their joint letter sought answers about search controls, access limits and data sharing, and asked Flock to preserve related records.

Before the statement

The West St. Paul Reader asked both Dakota County sheriff candidates whether they support the continued use of Flock cameras, citing data privacy concerns and data sharing with the federal government.

After the statement

Lambert went on to describe Flock's recommended 7-day data retention period, required case codes and an independent security review, and wrote that the issue will require trust from the community, which he would build through honesty, transparency and dialogue.

Before the statement

The West St. Paul Reader asked both sheriff candidates whether they support the continued use of Flock cameras in Dakota County. Leko wrote that his office placed eight license-plate reader cameras in its rural patrol area in a pilot beginning in spring 2025.

After the statement

Leko wrote that he will continue evaluating technology and, before reconsidering license-plate readers, will involve the public and ensure safeguards, community support and public trust are in place.

Before the statement

Kulewicz answered a question about Faber's plan to keep Flock cameras while criminalizing misuse.

After the statement

He argued that limits should reach the data a private company collects and the uses of that data, alongside improper searches by individual officers.

Before the statement

Faber responded to reports of police misuse of Flock data during Ohio's attorney general campaign.

After the statement

He proposed a felony penalty for misuse, modeled on restrictions for Ohio's existing law-enforcement database.

Before the statement

WGME asked Maine's gubernatorial candidates whether the state should ban Flock cameras.

After the statement

WGME reported that the candidate supports a statewide ban.

Before the statement

WGME asked Maine's gubernatorial candidates whether the state should ban Flock cameras.

After the statement

WGME reported that the candidate supports a statewide ban.

Before the statement

Maine candidates were asked whether the state should ban Flock cameras.

After the statement

Charles also said surveillance can be appropriate with Fourth Amendment protections.

Before the statement

Stutzman described an encounter in which a police officer used a plate reader to identify his expired registration.

After the statement

He said private property owners could still buy cameras and use them on their property.

Before the statement

Ohio officials were debating restrictions on Flock cameras.

After the statement

Wilson paired his defense with proposed criminal penalties for improper searches.

Before the statement

The Pennsylvania House memo was circulated by Kenyatta with Reps. Jessica Benham, Brandon Dukes and Joe McAndrew. It says the proposed legislation would prohibit new automated license-plate-reader systems in the Commonwealth and remove existing systems, except turnpike cameras used solely for toll collection.

After the statement

The memo describes the networks as a privacy threat and asks colleagues to co-sponsor the legislation. It had not been submitted for introduction when the House page was last updated on September 15.

Before the statement

At a League of Women Voters of Vigo County forum, legislative candidates were asked what state policy they wanted on Flock cameras. Blundell was agreeing with the candidates who spoke before her.

After the statement

Blundell said she works in corrections and understands public safety, but that "Flock cameras have gotten it wrong on so many levels" and innocent people have been arrested. She also cited officers in other communities who used the cameras to stalk former partners.

Before the statement

At a League of Women Voters of Vigo County forum, legislative candidates were asked what state policy they wanted on Flock cameras. Lore said using the cameras to catch criminals "is an excellent thing" but that personal privacy also needs to be considered. As state leaders consider legislation, she said, "I would want a lot more information about how that information is being used," and added that there would be tradeoffs.

After the statement

Her opponent, Democratic Rep. Tonya Pfaff, said guardrails are needed.

Before the statement

In a public statement, Callahan said Flock cameras had become more invasive than the targeted public-safety tool he expected and announced a January committee hearing.

After the statement

He said he would consider a narrowly tailored path for serious investigations if judicial oversight, warrants, limited retention and accountability were in place.

Before the statement

Cornyn asked Patel about the value and privacy implications of automated license-plate readers.

After the statement

Patel said private companies and local governments collect the data and that the FBI accesses it for particular cases rather than continuously.

Before the statement

Cornyn raised public concern about the technology while urging officials to correct misperceptions and asking Patel for its law-enforcement uses.

After the statement

He asked Patel to describe cases in which license-plate readers helped investigators.

Before the statement

Harrigan was asked about Flock Safety's camera network and how Congress should respond to privacy concerns.

After the statement

He compared the network to surveillance under Section 702 and called for rules governing the source of data and the warrants required to query it.

Before the statement

Bodnar released a campaign video criticizing Flock cameras.

After the statement

His campaign said the ad used props rather than operating Flock cameras and opposed vandalism.

Before the statement

Jones argued that a national searchable driving record threatens privacy.

After the statement

His plan permits local cameras, short data retention, warrants for historical searches and emergency exceptions.

Before the statement

Pinsley answered a candidate questionnaire about Flock cameras.

After the statement

He rejected an unlimited database of residents' movements.

Before the statement

Kenyatta circulated the memo with Jessica Benham, Brandon Dukes and Joe McAndrew.

After the statement

The document was a co-sponsorship proposal, not an enacted or introduced bill.

Before the statement

1819 News reported that in an interview on OAN's "Fine Point with Chanel Rion," Robertson called for compromise on Flock cameras. She said this was an area where there had to be a nuanced debate.

After the statement

Robertson said she would take a leadership role in working out how to protect Alabamians' privacy while giving law enforcement the tools it needs. 1819 News reported that state Sen. Arthur Orr is expected to introduce legislation setting strict guidelines for police use of Flock cameras.

Before the statement

At a Sept. 14 League of Women Voters forum, Kerfeld said he wanted police to have access to the cameras and described them as a low-cost tool that lets local police work with other agencies, The Sacramento Bee reported.

After the statement

He said anyone who misused data from the cameras should be "imprisoned" and that people who were not breaking the law should not be concerned about the surveillance.

Before the statement

At a Sept. 14 League of Women Voters forum, Kozlowski said he supported Folsom's decision to stop using Flock cameras after a review by the police chief. The Sacramento Bee reported that his concern was the risk that data could be shared with unauthorized parties.

After the statement

Kozlowski said the city will keep using license plate readers from other companies, including Motorola, saying the Motorola system "has excellent controls that the city gets to set on who that information gets shared with."

Before the statement

The Charlotte Observer asked both U.S. Senate campaigns in North Carolina about Flock cameras. Spokesman Jordan Monaghan said Cooper has real concerns the cameras have been used to invade people's privacy and supports requiring court oversight, including warrants to access them.

After the statement

The article reports that Michael Whatley's campaign did not address his views on Flock cameras in its response to the Observer.

Before the statement

Subramanyam compared the camera network with following a person and recording each trip without a warrant or consent.

After the statement

He urged Congress to protect privacy and civil liberties by setting safeguards against unauthorized surveillance.

Before the statement

Rader joined a bipartisan proposal to ban government ALPR networks in Ohio.

After the statement

He argued that the state should first debate whether to allow warrantless location tracking at all, rather than begin with narrower safeguards.

Before the statement

Michael Cloud was named as a sponsor of the NO FLOCK Act.

After the statement

States without the specified limits would lose 10 percent of covered federal highway funding.

Before the statement

Raja Krishnamoorthi was named as a sponsor of the NO FLOCK Act.

After the statement

States without the specified limits would lose 10 percent of covered federal highway funding.

Before the statement

A reporter asked Trump about Flock cameras on Air Force One.

After the statement

His response contrasted with candidates in both parties calling for bans or restrictions.

Before the statement

Maine Newsroom asked Jackson in York, where voters will decide whether to keep or remove the town's four Flock cameras, whether he would vote for a Flock ban either in the Senate or in his hometown of Allagash.

After the statement

Maine Newsroom published the exchange as an audio clip with a transcript on Sept. 14, 2026, under the headline that Jackson would vote to ban Flock and other AI-powered license-plate cameras.

Before the statement

WKRC reported that Democratic nominee Amy Acton had called on social media for a statewide ban on Flock cameras in Ohio.

After the statement

WKRC reported that Ramaswamy disagrees with a ban but says Flock cameras should not be used in private spaces and that misuse of the system has to be taken seriously.

Before the statement

At a September 13 DuPage County sheriff candidate forum, Noonan was asked about Flock cameras as the county considered its next sheriff.

After the statement

Noonan called for audits and said access should be limited to detectives and supervisors because of misuse concerns.

Before the statement

At a September 13 DuPage County sheriff candidate forum, Coolidge was asked about license-plate cameras amid concern about misuse. In a separate candidate questionnaire, he said Flock cameras need clear rules for use and access.

After the statement

The reported forum answer did not call for removing the cameras. His position concerned how the sheriff would govern them.

Before the statement

Parkville residents raised questions at public meetings about how data from local Flock cameras might be accessed or shared outside the community.

After the statement

In the signed city statement, Barton announced an immediate suspension and said the city had not determined that its system had been misused.

Before the statement

TiffinOhio.net reported that Jones, challenging Republican Rep. Gary Click in House District 88, called for new limits on government use of Flock cameras and other AI-powered surveillance in a campaign statement.

After the statement

Jones said he would work with both parties to introduce legislation protecting Ohioans from mass surveillance. TiffinOhio.net reported he had not released bill language saying whether it would resemble a broad prohibition or a regulatory approach.

Before the statement

Beverly Press reports that Egbuniwe opposes Flock Safety as a vendor but sees benefits to surveillance in increasing safety, and that he said West Hollywood should focus surveillance on the Rainbow District, where crime reports are higher.

After the statement

The article then reports that he opposes the Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project in its current form.

Before the statement

Beverly Press reports that Duran supports the city's current contract with Flock Safety and, as a criminal defense attorney, sees the cameras as very effective in solving crimes while understanding the privacy concerns residents have raised.

After the statement

Duran then said the Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project should be scrapped entirely.

Before the statement

Virginia lawmakers were discussing a statewide ban on license-plate readers.

After the statement

Fatehi described camera evidence as an alternative to some direct policing.

Before the statement

Virginia lawmakers were proposing a statewide ban on the readers.

After the statement

Spanberger said the technology helps find abducted or missing children.

Before the statement

The ACLU of Nevada announced Hatch's proposed bill for the 2027 Legislature.

After the statement

Her statement says networked readers track ordinary residents' movements.

Before the statement

Speaking at a Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics and Milwaukee Rotary luncheon, Kaul called for state lawmakers to set standards for how police use automated license-plate readers, according to WisPolitics.

After the statement

WisPolitics reports Kaul suggested regular audits of system use and limits on who can access the system and the types of cases it can be used for. He also said he did not see any reason offhand why private contractors should have access to the information, except for police subcontractors.

Before the statement

The San Francisco Standard asked candidates whether the city should renew its Flock contract. A staff member said Stefani was declining to answer that question, but in a statement she called Flock cameras a "valuable tool in stopping some of our most heinous crimes," citing a report of police using the technology to find a trafficked teenager.

After the statement

The Standard listed Stefani among the candidates with no position on renewing San Francisco's contract.

Before the statement

The San Francisco Standard asked candidates whether the city should renew its Flock contract in February, after the police department disclosed that out-of-state and federal agencies had accessed city Flock data hundreds of times in violation of California law. Eppler cited those improper searches and said a surveillance vendor "does not get the benefit of the doubt after safeguards fail on that scale."

After the statement

Eppler said that if San Francisco keeps using license-plate readers, it should pick a new vendor through a competitive process that requires shorter retention, stronger barriers against unauthorized access and penalties for misuse.

Before the statement

Before a Manvel City Council vote, Davis raised questions about outside access to city camera data and Flock's handling of it.

After the statement

The council voted to end the Flock contract. Davis distinguished his objection to Flock from an objection to license-plate reader technology in general.

Before the statement

The San Francisco Standard asked candidates about renewing the city's Flock contract.

After the statement

Wiener's campaign declined a position on that contract but described his broader ALPR policy.

Before the statement

Khanna spoke on the House floor as members introduced the Flock-Off Act.

After the statement

He said safety should not come at the expense of privacy.

Before the statement

Chan responded to questions about San Francisco's Flock contract.

After the statement

She said prior safeguards had failed and cited warrantless searches of drivers' movements.

Before the statement

Patel compared Flock with cameras that record only traffic violations.

After the statement

She questioned whether Flock has improved public safety.

Before the statement

Nguyen spoke at a District 8 candidate forum.

After the statement

He also called for stronger state and federal regulation of surveillance technology.

Before the statement

Sherrill answered questions about renewal of San Francisco's Flock contract.

After the statement

He called for regular review of surveillance contracts.

Before the statement

Ellington answered a candidate survey about San Francisco's Flock contract.

After the statement

He also cited residents' requests for investigative tools.

Before the statement

The San Francisco Standard asked candidates about the city's Flock renewal.

After the statement

Dorsey said he would reconsider if problems with the contract emerged.

Before the statement

The Statehouse News Bureau asked Acton about proposals to ban the cameras.

After the statement

Acton said public safety cannot come at the expense of rights.

Before the statement

Austin let its Flock pilot expire in 2025, and the Statesman asked council members whether the city should replace the system. Alter said he would support live security camera feeds in parks with known problems but not technology that uses artificial intelligence to analyze people or stores information about their movements indefinitely.

After the statement

The Statesman reports that Alter was among the council members who said the city could consider narrower surveillance tools even if it does not return to Flock.

Before the statement

Radio Iowa asked the Iowa gubernatorial candidates about Flock cameras. Lahn described the growth of a private company's vehicle-location database.

After the statement

He acknowledged that readers can help recover vehicles and find trafficking victims, then asked how constitutional rights would be protected.

Before the statement

Radio Iowa asked both major-party gubernatorial nominees about automated license-plate readers. Sand said the company had not put adequate checks and balances in place.

After the statement

He said the market was working as Flock lost contracts and that he would consider signing safeguards later if concerns remained.

Before the statement

In a September 5 radio interview, Wagley discussed private deals involving data centers and surveillance cameras.

After the statement

He argued that public officials had allowed the cameras to expand without oversight.

Before the statement

ABC News asked Flock about political backlash and possible regulation.

After the statement

The company endorsed legislation on privacy, transparency and accountability while opposing loss of the tool.

Before the statement

ABC News sought Barrett's view as Flock cameras became an issue in his House race.

After the statement

His position addresses oversight and federal purchasing, not a ban on all local license-plate camera networks.

Before the statement

ABC News asked the campaign about Abdul El-Sayed's ad criticizing Rogers's surveillance record.

After the statement

The campaign drew a distinction between public safety and unchecked tracking. Rogers had left Congress before Flock cameras were created.

Before the statement

Bottoms was asked how Georgia should respond to criticism of Flock cameras.

After the statement

She said cameras had not always been used as intended and sought protections for privacy.

Before the statement

Jackson was asked about public opposition to Flock cameras.

After the statement

He said he would seek safeguards and called the cameras useful for protecting children and prosecuting crime.

Before the statement

AP interviewed Davis about communities ending ALPR contracts.

After the statement

He described the technology as valuable while acknowledging misuse concerns.

Before the statement

KTAR asked Biggs about the cameras during a Sept. 4 interview.

After the statement

He also said he wanted police to have the equipment needed for their work.

Before the statement

In a signed WEHOonline column setting out his City Council platform, Zaldivar wrote about SB 79, homelessness and the Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project before turning to the city's Flock cameras.

After the statement

An editor's note says Zaldivar was one of four candidates who did not appear at WEHOonline's Aug. 16 City Council forum, and that the outlet invited them to answer the forum questions in writing, with the questions provided in advance.

Before the statement

At a Sept. 3 interim House Judiciary Committee hearing, a Cato Institute analyst recommended requiring a judicial warrant before ALPR searches. Louisville Public Media reported that Carroll called the cameras a tool that will save lives and solve crimes and said he was skeptical of a warrant requirement.

After the statement

Rep. Jason Nemes and House Judiciary Committee chair Daniel Elliott said at the same hearing that they could support a warrant requirement with an exception for exigent circumstances.

Before the statement

At a Sept. 3 interim House Judiciary Committee hearing on automated license-plate readers, Rep. Jason Nemes said it was reasonable to require a warrant for searches. Elliott agreed with Nemes on that point.

After the statement

Louisville Public Media reported that Elliott's committee determines which bills come up for a vote there. Kentucky passed a law earlier in 2026 limiting ALPR data retention to 90 days and creating a misdemeanor for misuse.

Before the statement

At a Sept. 3 interim House Judiciary Committee hearing, a Flock Safety executive and police officials testified in support of the cameras, and a Cato Institute analyst recommended a judicial warrant for ALPR searches. Nemes credited Flock cameras with helping identify the teenagers accused of killing student Dannady Greene.

After the statement

House Judiciary Committee chair Daniel Elliott said he could support a warrant requirement. Nemes later said he would support a bill letting the public see whether their plates were searched, but was not sure it had enough support in the Republican caucus.

Before the statement

In a two-post Bluesky thread dated September 3, Castro addressed the security of Flock camera records.

After the statement

He warned of foreign exploitation and called for congressional regulation and built-in protections.

Before the statement

Dean announced the proposed Ohio Freedom from Mass Surveillance Act as criticism of Flock cameras grew.

After the statement

He said the proposal would restrict government deployment and warrantless access while preserving crime-fighting tools within constitutional limits.

Before the statement

Virginia lawmakers were weighing a ban on Flock-style cameras.

After the statement

Sturtevant said the cameras record drivers without warrants.

Before the statement

Aird discussed new legislation after Flock deployments expanded in Virginia.

After the statement

She also called for public input on whether communities want the cameras.

Before the statement

Burlison co-led the Flock-Off Act with Thomas Massie.

After the statement

The proposal targets federal funding, not every use of automated license-plate readers.

Before the statement

Massie introduced the Flock-Off Act with Eric Burlison.

After the statement

The bill restricts federal funding. It does not ban every state or local camera system.

Before the statement

Tiffany's campaign responded to growing opposition to Flock cameras in Wisconsin.

After the statement

A funding pause and task force are not a permanent prohibition on the systems.

Before the statement

Garrity was asked about Flock cameras during the Pennsylvania governor's race.

After the statement

Her statement calls for a ban on Flock cameras, without specifying other ALPR systems.

Before the statement

Before the Aug. 4 Democratic primary, Brown favored stricter guidelines and oversight of Montgomery County's Flock cameras rather than ending their use, and The Roanoke Times reported that broad public distrust and the Christiansburg Town Council's decision to end its Flock contract changed his mind. His Republican opponent, Interim Sheriff Robert Page, has supported the technology and called the cameras a "valuable law enforcement tool."

After the statement

Brown said the loss of public trust from the cameras is "just not worth it" and that Blacksburg should consider removing its nine Flock cameras if its residents raise the same concerns.

Before the statement

Farry responded by email after his Democratic opponent, Eileen Hartnett Albillar, called on him to drop his cosponsorship of Senate Bill 933, which would expand license plate readers on roadways and PennDOT-owned infrastructure.

After the statement

The Bucks County Beacon reports that Farry did not specify what amendments or penalties would be added, and that he said plate surveillance helped track down suspects in a 2023 Bensalem killing and a 2025 Bensalem arson.

Before the statement

Senate Bill 933 would expand automated license plate readers such as Flock cameras on roadways and PennDOT-owned infrastructure; the Bucks County Beacon reports that Farry is one of six Republican cosponsors.

After the statement

In the same article, Hartnett Albillar said no Pennsylvanian should have to wonder whether every trip is being logged, analyzed and stored indefinitely.

Before the statement

Benson issued the statement amid concerns about the spread of Flock cameras and residents' uncertainty about access to their images.

After the statement

She proposed legislation on use, access, sharing and deletion, and said government should be transparent and accountable.

Before the statement

During a September 2 press call, James was asked about Flock cameras amid privacy concerns.

After the statement

He said protecting Michiganders' privacy and enforcing the law were both priorities.

Before the statement

Lauren Boebert was named among the bill's original sponsors.

After the statement

The introduced text contains exceptions and does not prohibit all plate-reader systems.

Before the statement

Chip Roy was named among the bill's original sponsors.

After the statement

The introduced text contains exceptions and does not prohibit all plate-reader systems.

Before the statement

Paul Gosar was named among the bill's original sponsors.

After the statement

The introduced text contains exceptions and does not prohibit all plate-reader systems.

Before the statement

Victoria Spartz was named among the bill's original sponsors.

After the statement

The introduced text contains exceptions and does not prohibit all plate-reader systems.

Before the statement

Crowley discussed Flock cameras as Milwaukee County reviewed its law-enforcement contracts.

After the statement

He supports constrained use of public-safety tools, not a statewide ban.

Before the statement

Talarico addressed the statewide spread of Flock cameras during the Senate race.

After the statement

His statement concerns Flock cameras in Texas; it does not set out a national ALPR policy.

Before the statement

The Orlando Sentinel reported that the week began with Gov. Ron DeSantis's administration ordering the cameras removed from state roads within 30 days.

After the statement

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Brodeur wants a statewide law that might allow the cameras' use but would spell out how the data could be kept and used and how abuse would be punished. His Democratic opponent in District 10, Maitland Mayor John Lowndes, said he had placed an item banning the cameras on his city council's agenda.

Before the statement

WRDW reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Flock cameras removed from Florida's state highway system, and that a Tift County, Georgia, deputy was demoted after an internal investigation found he misused the agency's Flock system. Albers said he does not believe Georgia should follow Florida's approach.

After the statement

Albers said he is part of a task force of Georgia sheriffs and police chiefs reviewing camera policies, with ideas including warnings about permitted uses and a second approval before a search.

Before the statement

Groveland Police Department had used two Flock cameras at entrances to the city. Its media release noted investigative uses but also public expectations of accountability.

After the statement

The department suspended camera use and staff access while it reviewed oversight and governance. It did not announce contract termination.

Before the statement

During a Capitol Hill interview, a reporter asked Ocasio-Cortez about Flock cameras.

After the statement

She objected to a surveillance network connected to private AI companies and said people should be able to move without being tracked.