Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Networked automated license-plate cameras can assemble searchable records of vehicle movements. Candidates and officials disagree over whether to ban the systems, keep them with limits, or defend them as investigative tools. This tracker separates outright bans from narrower restrictions.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The dispute sharpened during the 2026 midterm campaigns as candidates answered questions about Flock Safety's camera network. Associated Press reporting (opens in a new tab) records calls for state bans alongside proposals for warrants, shorter retention, funding pauses, and oversight. Flock Safety and law-enforcement groups argue the systems help investigate crimes and locate missing people, while critics argue routine collection of drivers' movements creates an unacceptable surveillance network.
This tracker concerns fixed or networked automated license-plate readers that create searchable records of vehicle movements. It does not treat an officer's use of a mobile reader, a toll camera, or a proposal to restrict federal grants as equivalent to a ban on the network. A candidate's criticism of misuse is not, by itself, a call to eliminate the systems. A lack of a verified position is not support for either side.
People in this case
David HatleyCommented
Cory BookerCommented
Malcolm KenyattaCommented
Ro KhannaCommented
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 269. Dates: February 10, 2026 to September 28, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
68 responses on this page
Adam Chitwood "get them out of our county"
Open source (opens in a new tab)Thomas County Democrats rally against Flock camerasCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Georgia House candidate Adam Chitwood called for Flock cameras to be removed from Thomas County and southern Georgia, citing misuse and unwarranted surveillance.
Role at the time: Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 173
Before the statement
WCTV interviewed Chitwood at a Thomasville rally where participants called for Flock cameras to be removed.
After the statement
Chitwood said communities should find other ways to improve safety.
Why this label?
Chitwood expressly rejects the cameras' presence in his county and region. This is a call for removal, not merely tighter rules.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
American Civil Liberties Union"the best privacy protection is to ban ALPRs altogether."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Fight Creepy ALPR CamerasCampaign page and September 2026 Senate testimony referenceCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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The ACLU urged cities to ban automated license-plate reader systems rather than only tightening their use.
Role at the time: Civil liberties organization
Before the statement
The ACLU's September campaign identified a network of automated license-plate readers beyond Flock alone.
After the statement
The ACLU described a ban as the strongest privacy protection while also documenting local efforts to cancel contracts and regulate these systems.
Fight Creepy ALPR CamerasCampaign page and September 2026 Senate testimony referenceWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. The ACLU said the best privacy protection is to ban the readers altogether and urged cities to do so. A call to prohibit the network fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
S. Chris Anders "And the only way to do that is to ban Flock cameras all together."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Del. Chris Anders Rejects Local Storage as Solution to Flock Camera ConcernsCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Anders called for a ban on Flock cameras, arguing that warrants for database searches would not fix routine collection of movement records about people suspected of no crime.
Role at the time: West Virginia delegate and Freedom Caucus chair
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.
Why this label?
Anders explicitly rejects the continued existence of Flock cameras, not merely a specific data-sharing practice.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bishop Staten "It invades privacy, it’s a burden on the people. We were okay before them , now we are “fined” with them . Flock cameras out, we don’t need them. It’s highway robbery, another gadget to take money from the working-class citizens."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)2nd District Q&A: Matt Baker, Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria, Geral "Bishop" StatenCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Virginia congressional candidate Bishop Staten said Flock cameras invade privacy and burden residents, and that they should be taken out because they are not needed.
Role at the time: Independent candidate for U.S. House in Virginia's 2nd District
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.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Asked about Flock and other plate readers in his district, Staten said the cameras invade privacy and should be taken out because they are not needed. That is a call to remove them.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Willy Chotzen "People don’t like it, they find it creepy, and they want to make sure that we’re protecting our rights to privacy."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Oregon Capital Chronicle: lawmakers consider Flock camera banChotzen quotes and paragraphs on proposed 2027 legislationCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Chotzen and Republican Rep. Alek Skarlatos are working on a proposal for the 2027 legislative session that could ban Flock cameras statewide. Chotzen said constituents want to move through daily life without being surveilled. No bill text has been filed.
Role at the time: Oregon state representative for House District 46
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.
Oregon Capital Chronicle: lawmakers consider Flock camera banChotzen quotes and paragraphs on proposed 2027 legislationWhy this label?
Chotzen is pursuing legislation that could prohibit Flock cameras statewide, so his position opposes their continued use. The proposal is not yet an introduced bill.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Eric Tatum "Because those safeguards have failed nearly everywhere the cameras are used, I oppose Fulton County using Flock cameras. A citizen's privacy comes before a government's convenience."
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Candidate Q&A: Fulton County Commission ChairEach candidate's answer to the question on Flock Safety camerasCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Eric Tatum, the Republican nominee for Fulton County Commission chair, said he opposes Fulton County using Flock cameras because safeguards have failed nearly everywhere they are used.
Role at the time: Attorney and Republican nominee for chair of the Fulton County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners
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.
Candidate Q&A: Fulton County Commission ChairEach candidate's answer to the question on Flock Safety camerasWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Tatum listed the safeguards he would require for any surveillance camera contract, then said those safeguards have failed nearly everywhere and that he opposes Fulton County using Flock cameras. Opposing the county's use of the cameras is a call to refuse them, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
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Casey Walawender "If I had to vote on this issue right now, I would vote to defund them."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Jackson Commission candidates discuss school bond, library, Flock, and moreDistrict 1 race, Casey Walawender profile, final paragraphCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Jackson County commission candidate Casey Walawender said that if she had to vote on the issue now, she would vote to defund the county's Flock cameras.
Role at the time: Democratic candidate for Jackson County Board of Commissioners, District 1 (North Carolina)
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.
Jackson Commission candidates discuss school bond, library, Flock, and moreDistrict 1 race, Casey Walawender profile, final paragraphWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Walawender said that if she had to vote now she would vote to defund the county's Flock cameras. Voting to end funding for the county's cameras is a call to stop using them.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David Hatley"I'm very against flock cameras."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)David Hatley interview on The Todd Starnes ShowTranscript, answer to 'Tell me about the flock cameras'Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)David Hatley for Governor platform, Ban Flock CamerasPlatform: Ban Flock CamerasCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Hatley says Flock cameras are not the way to solve crimes and wants spending redirected to detectives.
Role at the time: Independent candidate for Tennessee governor
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.
David Hatley interview on The Todd Starnes ShowTranscript, answer to 'Tell me about the flock cameras'David Hatley for Governor platform, Ban Flock CamerasPlatform: Ban Flock CamerasWhy this label?
Hatley rejects the network as a crime-fighting method, and his campaign platform calls for a ban.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Cory Booker"We are out of control for any government"
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flock cameras face bipartisan skepticism on Capitol HillCory Booker remarks at September 23 Senate hearingCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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At a Senate hearing, Booker said Flock-style cameras give governments too much room to abuse privacy rights. He did not call for removing every camera.
Role at the time: U.S. senator from New Jersey
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.
Flock cameras face bipartisan skepticism on Capitol HillCory Booker remarks at September 23 Senate hearingWhy this label?
He condemns the present surveillance balance and says the cameras appear to violate fundamental rights; the remarks do not amount to a ban proposal.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Scott Perry "I'm committed to stopping the Surveillance State and ending this invasion of our privacy."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock camerasOriginal candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated textCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Scott Perry said he wanted to stop Flock-style surveillance and cited a failed amendment concerning federal highway funds.
Role at the time: U.S. representative and 2026 Republican candidate in Pennsylvania's 10th district
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.
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock camerasOriginal candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated textWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Perry said he is committed to stopping the surveillance state and ending the invasion of privacy, and cited a failed amendment on federal highway funds. Committing to stop the network fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Beth Macy "I support law enforcement’s efforts to stop crimes and solve the ones that have been committed. Technology is a tool that police can effectively use to protect the public. However, it’s obvious that Flock readers have been inappropriately used or installed in many Virginia localities. I believe that Virginia communities should not use Flock cameras or keep personal data that they record. Safety is paramount, as is our liberty as a free people."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)6th District Q&A: Ben Cline, Beth MacyCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Beth Macy said Virginia communities should not use Flock cameras or keep the personal data they record, citing inappropriate use and installation in many localities.
Role at the time: Democratic candidate for U.S. House, Virginia 6th District
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.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether Flock-style license-plate camera networks should exist and be used. Macy acknowledges police technology can protect the public but says Virginia communities should not use Flock cameras or keep the data they record. A statement that communities should not use the cameras is Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Taylor Richmond "My stance is let's not give government that power to begin with"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)West Virginia Senate District 13 candidates discuss Flock camerasStatements by Taylor Richmond and Mike OliverioCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Richmond opposes Flock-style government surveillance and says police should use other sources of evidence instead.
Role at the time: West Virginia state Senate candidate
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.
West Virginia Senate District 13 candidates discuss Flock camerasStatements by Taylor Richmond and Mike OliverioWhy this label?
He rejects government possession of the networked tracking capability itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Rob Fuentes "The city should not renew its contract with Flock Our law enforcement certainly need effective tools to combat thefts, robberies, and other serious crimes. But as a civil rights attorney, I am deeply concerned with a system that creates a surveillance record of every single innocent person who drives through our neighborhoods. Building safe neighborhoods and respecting our constitutional rights is not a false choice: We can and must do both."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Fact check: Where Fresno Council D1 candidates Fuentes, Singh stand on Flock camerasSections on Rob Fuentes and Naindeep SinghCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Fresno council candidate Rob Fuentes said the city should not renew its contract with Flock, saying he is deeply concerned by a system that creates a surveillance record of every innocent person who drives through Fresno's neighborhoods.
Role at the time: Candidate for Fresno City Council, District 1
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.
Fact check: Where Fresno Council D1 candidates Fuentes, Singh stand on Flock camerasSections on Rob Fuentes and Naindeep SinghWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Fuentes said Fresno should not renew its Flock contract and objected to a system that records every innocent driver in the city's neighborhoods. He supports other crime-fighting tools, but his objection is to the tracking network itself, and ending the contract would remove the city's cameras.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Nav Gurm "The city should not renew the Flock cameras contract I have serious Fourth Amendment concerns with a privately operated, citywide license-plate network that tracks everyday movement. Public safety tools must include warrants, independent audits, short retention periods, and no mission creep."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Fact check: Where do Fresno City Council D7 candidates stand on Flock cameras?Sections headed "Nav Gurm on flock cameras" and "Ariana Martinez-Lott on flock cameras"CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Nav Gurm, a candidate for Fresno City Council District 7, said the city should not renew its Flock camera contract and cited Fourth Amendment concerns about a citywide license-plate network.
Role at the time: Candidate for Fresno City Council, District 7
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.
Fact check: Where do Fresno City Council D7 candidates stand on Flock cameras?Sections headed "Nav Gurm on flock cameras" and "Ariana Martinez-Lott on flock cameras"Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Gurm says Fresno should not renew its Flock contract and objects to a privately operated citywide plate network. Refusing to keep the city's cameras is Condemned on this tracker; his list of requirements for public safety tools does not make his opposition to renewal conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mary Frances Clardy "I am opposed to the use of Flock cameras in Minnesota."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Minnesota House District 53A candidate questionnaire on Flock camerasTransparency question and candidate answersCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Clardy said she opposes Flock cameras in Minnesota and pointed to the risk that government agencies could gain access to residents' location data.
Role at the time: Minnesota state representative and 2026 candidate for District 53A
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.
Minnesota House District 53A candidate questionnaire on Flock camerasTransparency question and candidate answersWhy this label?
She expressly opposes continued Flock camera use in her state.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Liliana Peinder "And yes, I hear, you know, that it’s a tool, but we also have a lot of other tools that we use in investigation. And an example of that is the drones that the Police Department uses. And so I don’t think that we need the system. We already have people in place. And to me, it is an invasion of privacy and, you know, it goes against our Fourth Amendment. So my stance on that is I’m very anti-Flock."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Robinson, Peinder talk growth, Flock cameras and priorities ahead of District 3 runoffQuestion on Flock: 'What should the city do with the system'CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Liliana Peinder said Huntsville does not need the Flock system, called it an invasion of privacy that goes against the Fourth Amendment, and said she is very anti-Flock.
Role at the time: Candidate for Huntsville City Council, District 3
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.
Robinson, Peinder talk growth, Flock cameras and priorities ahead of District 3 runoffQuestion on Flock: 'What should the city do with the system'Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate cameras such as Flock should exist and be used. Peinder says the city does not need the system, calls it an invasion of privacy and describes herself as very anti-Flock, and she said she would vote against the contract in January. That is opposition to the system itself, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Rick Bennett "I don't think that they're a useful law enforcement tool, and I think they may violate civil rights."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Maine governor candidates on Flock camerasCandidate interviewsCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Bennett said Flock cameras are not useful for law enforcement and told WGME he would support a statewide ban.
Role at the time: Maine gubernatorial candidate
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.
Maine governor candidates on Flock camerasCandidate interviewsWhy this label?
WGME directly reports his support for a statewide ban and quotes his objection to the cameras.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Hannah Pingree "I mean, people want to stop crime. They want to be able to stop criminals. But I think Flock has taken it too far."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Maine governor candidates on Flock camerasCandidate interviewsCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Pingree said Flock had gone too far and told WGME she would support a statewide ban on its cameras.
Role at the time: Maine gubernatorial candidate
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.
Maine governor candidates on Flock camerasCandidate interviewsWhy this label?
WGME directly reports her support for a statewide ban and quotes her criticism of Flock.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Marlin Stutzman "Personally, I think the Flock camera system should be eliminated."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Marlin Stutzman says Flock cameras should be eliminatedStutzman interview, paragraphs beginning Personally, I thinkCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Stutzman said government roadside Flock systems should be eliminated, while distinguishing cameras used on private property.
Role at the time: U.S. representative from Indiana
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.
Marlin Stutzman says Flock cameras should be eliminatedStutzman interview, paragraphs beginning Personally, I thinkWhy this label?
He explicitly calls for eliminating government roadside Flock systems.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Malcolm Kenyatta"For these reasons, we plan on introducing legislation that would ban the use of ALPRs in Pennsylvania. This would fully prohibit new ALPR systems from being implemented in the Commonwealth and remove existing ALPRs, with the exception of turnpike cameras, which are used solely for toll collection purposes."
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memo: Banning Flock Camera SurveillanceMemo, paragraphs 1-5CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Kenyatta and three Pennsylvania House colleagues say they will seek a statewide ban on automated license-plate readers, except turnpike cameras used solely for toll collection.
Role at the time: Pennsylvania state representative, District 181
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.
Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memo: Banning Flock Camera SurveillanceMemo, paragraphs 1-5Why this label?
Kenyatta supports prohibiting existing and new automated license-plate-reader systems in Pennsylvania, with a toll-camera exception. The reference point is whether networked license-plate-reader systems should exist. The memo argues that the systems create a searchable record of vehicles' movements and should be removed to protect privacy. This is a direct call to prohibit the network, so the classification is condemns.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Malcolm Kenyatta
"we plan on introducing legislation that would ban the use of ALPRs in Pennsylvania"
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memo: Banning Flock Camera SurveillanceMemo, paragraphs 1-5CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Malcolm Kenyatta and three House colleagues jointly proposed prohibiting new ALPR systems in Pennsylvania and removing existing ones, except toll cameras.
Role at the time: Pennsylvania state representative and lead circulator of joint memo
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.
Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memo: Banning Flock Camera SurveillanceMemo, paragraphs 1-5Why this label?
The case concerns whether networked plate-reader systems should exist. The shared memo calls for their removal and prohibition.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tristan Rader "A ban is on the table! We cannot compromise before we even start deliberating."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Rep. Rader Supports Statewide Flock Ban: We Can't Compromise YetRader's quoted statementCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Rader supported an Ohio bill to ban automated license-plate readers, including Flock cameras. He argued that access and retention limits alone would not solve the problem of collecting drivers' movements without individualized suspicion.
Role at the time: Ohio state representative
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.
Rep. Rader Supports Statewide Flock Ban: We Can't Compromise YetRader's quoted statementWhy this label?
He expressly endorsed a statewide ban and rejected guardrails as a sufficient alternative.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Troy Jackson "Yeah, I would. I mean, I think right now, everything I know personally and as far as for people across Maine, they do not like it. People’s privacy is something that I think they want protected. We don’t know what else they’re using the data for. I don’t like that and I would vote against it."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Troy Jackson: I'd vote to ban Flock and other AI-powered license plate reading camerasTranscript below the audio clipCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Troy Jackson said he would vote for a ban on Flock cameras, saying Mainers want their privacy protected and do not know what else the data is used for.
Role at the time: Former Maine Senate president and 2026 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine
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.
Troy Jackson: I'd vote to ban Flock and other AI-powered license plate reading camerasTranscript below the audio clipWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate readers such as Flock should exist and be used. Asked whether he would vote for a Flock ban, Jackson said yes and that he would vote against the cameras, citing privacy and unknown uses of the data. We used Condemned because he supports banning the cameras.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Selena La Rue Hatch "I'm proud to sponsor this bill to ban Flock and ALRP surveillance networks."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Nevada Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch to introduce ALPR ban billStatements by Selena La Rue Hatch and Athar HaseebullahCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Hatch backed legislation to ban Flock and other networked license-plate readers across Nevada.
Role at the time: Nevada assemblymember
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.
Nevada Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch to introduce ALPR ban billStatements by Selena La Rue Hatch and Athar HaseebullahWhy this label?
She calls for eliminating the networks rather than limiting access to their data.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ro Khanna"We can't have a surveillance state in America"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Khanna criticized Flock-style surveillance and joined a bill to bar federal funding for the cameras.
Role at the time: U.S. representative
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.
We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionWhy this label?
He rejects the network's surveillance model, while the bill addresses federal funding rather than all local use.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Connie Chan "In Congress, I will fight to end federal funding for Flock."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Chan called Flock a mass-surveillance network and pledged to seek an end to its federal funding.
Role at the time: San Francisco supervisor and congressional candidate
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.
We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionWhy this label?
She condemns the existing network, although her specific proposal is a funding restriction, not a universal ban.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Michael Nguyen "I don't think it's worth the trade-off of public safety to have this huge loss of civil liberties"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Nguyen opposed San Francisco's continued use of Flock, saying the loss of civil liberties was not worth the claimed safety benefit.
Role at the time: San Francisco supervisor candidate
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.
We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillanceCandidate responses under support, opposition, and no positionWhy this label?
He rejects continued local operation of the network.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Andy Biggs"we have to pull the plug on Flock cameras"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)KTAR interviews Biggs and Hobbs on Flock camerasBiggs Sept. 4 interview; Hobbs Aug. 27 interviewCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Andy Biggs said Flock cameras are too intrusive and called for ending their use in Arizona.
Role at the time: U.S. representative and Arizona gubernatorial candidate
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.
KTAR interviews Biggs and Hobbs on Flock camerasBiggs Sept. 4 interview; Hobbs Aug. 27 interviewWhy this label?
The case concerns whether networked plate-reader cameras should operate. Biggs expressly argues they should not.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Joel Zaldivar "As for the Flock cameras, I have to stand firmly against their use. Not because they haven’t been found to solve certain crimes in certain cases, but rather on the principle that privacy should be deemed sacred. We’re a community built upon the backs of so many who fought for the right to feel free of government oppression. Our history is filled with members of the LGBTQ+ community and many of our Russian-speaking residents who lived in fear of being surveilled for behavior deemed unlawful, immoral and unjust. Power begets power. We already have cameras in businesses, in city buildings, in public parks and now on our city streets. When will it be enough? We have to set sensible boundaries that don’t intentionally track our everyday lives as we move about the city."
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Candidate Joel Zaldivar Makes His Case for WeHo City CouncilParagraph beginning 'As for the Flock cameras'CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Joel Zaldivar said he stands firmly against the use of Flock cameras, arguing that privacy should be treated as sacred even though the cameras have helped solve some crimes.
Role at the time: Candidate for West Hollywood City Council
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.
Candidate Joel Zaldivar Makes His Case for WeHo City CouncilParagraph beginning 'As for the Flock cameras'Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate cameras such as Flock should exist and be used. Zaldivar says he stands firmly against their use on privacy grounds while granting they have helped solve some crimes. That is opposition to the cameras themselves, not a call for limits, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Glen Sturtevant "I don't want the network to begin with"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Virginia lawmakers consider ban on Flock camerasInterviews with Lashrecse Aird and Glen SturtevantCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Sturtevant said he wants Flock-style readers banned, rather than retained under tighter rules.
Role at the time: Virginia state senator
Before the statement
Virginia lawmakers were weighing a ban on Flock-style cameras.
After the statement
Sturtevant said the cameras record drivers without warrants.
Virginia lawmakers consider ban on Flock camerasInterviews with Lashrecse Aird and Glen SturtevantWhy this label?
He expressly rejects the network itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lashrecse Aird "I think we need to take a pause here in Virginia"
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Virginia lawmakers consider ban on Flock camerasInterviews with Lashrecse Aird and Glen SturtevantOpen source (opens in a new tab)Virginia officials want a Flock camera pause; Spanberger disagreesGovernor Spanberger's remarks on an outright banCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Aird said she would pursue a Virginia ban on Flock cameras and other automated license-plate readers.
Role at the time: Virginia state senator
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.
Virginia lawmakers consider ban on Flock camerasInterviews with Lashrecse Aird and Glen SturtevantVirginia officials want a Flock camera pause; Spanberger disagreesGovernor Spanberger's remarks on an outright banWhy this label?
Her proposed legislation targets the technology's continued operation statewide.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Stacy Garrity "Flock cameras are an intrusive invasion of privacy and they should be banned."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flock surveillance cameras become midterm campaign target as voters balk at tech companies' powerCandidate and company statements in the full articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Stacy Garrity called Flock cameras an invasion of privacy and said they should be banned.
Role at the time: 2026 Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor
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.
Flock surveillance cameras become midterm campaign target as voters balk at tech companies' powerCandidate and company statements in the full articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Garrity called Flock cameras an intrusive invasion of privacy and said they should be banned. A direct call for a ban fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tim Brown "The reason is that public trust has got to be the most forefront thing for the sheriff's office, You’ve got to have public trust, and I just think people do not trust Flock."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Sheriff candidate Brown rejects Flock, draws endorsement from Republican ShepherdBrown's quoted remarks in the opening section of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Tim Brown, the Democratic candidate for Montgomery County sheriff, said public trust must come first for the sheriff's office and that people do not trust Flock. He said he would take down the office's four Flock cameras if elected.
Role at the time: Christiansburg police lieutenant and Democratic candidate for Montgomery County, Virginia, sheriff
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.
Sheriff candidate Brown rejects Flock, draws endorsement from Republican ShepherdBrown's quoted remarks in the opening section of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Brown said he would take down the sheriff's office's four Flock cameras if elected, explaining that people do not trust Flock and that public trust must come first. A pledge to remove the cameras is a call to end their use, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
James Talarico"Flock cameras have no place in Texas."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)James Talarico Bluesky statement on Flock camerasPost beginning Flock cameras have no place in Texas; corroborated by AP reportingCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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James Talarico said Flock cameras should not operate in Texas, citing their ability to reconstruct a person's movements.
Role at the time: 2026 Texas U.S. Senate candidate
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.
James Talarico Bluesky statement on Flock camerasPost beginning Flock cameras have no place in Texas; corroborated by AP reportingWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Talarico said Flock cameras have no place in Texas, citing their ability to reconstruct a person's movements. Saying the cameras should not operate in the state is a call to end the network, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez"Oh man, Flock Cameras are terrible. These things are awful."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez answers question about Flock camerasOpen source (opens in a new tab)AOC on Flock Cameras: I Don't Even Know How They're Legal Half the TimeCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Flock cameras terrible and criticized opaque local police contracts and AI-enabled tracking of people's movements.
Role at the time: U.S. representative from New York
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.
Why this label?
Her criticism is directed at the existence and deployment of the network, although she did not describe a specific ban bill in the exchange.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lois Kolkhorst"I am right there with them"
Open source (opens in a new tab)Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst calls for ALPR banParagraphs under 'Get the Flock out of Texas'CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Kolkhorst backed colleagues considering an outright Texas ban on automated license-plate readers. She argued that Flock's network enables warrantless tracking that threatens privacy.
Role at the time: Texas state senator
Before the statement
Kolkhorst published an essay criticizing Flock cameras after Texas halted state funding for them.
After the statement
She said the Texas Senate would take up the issue in its next session and that colleagues were discussing an outright ALPR ban.
Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst calls for ALPR banParagraphs under 'Get the Flock out of Texas'Why this label?
She expressly aligned herself with an outright ban on the networked readers at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Josh Shapiro"I would welcome bipartisan legislation to ban these across the state."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock camerasOriginal candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated textCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Josh Shapiro said he would welcome legislation banning Flock cameras throughout Pennsylvania.
Role at the time: Pennsylvania governor and 2026 candidate
Before the statement
Shapiro answered a question about Flock cameras at a late August news conference.
After the statement
He distinguished the cameras from other law-enforcement tools.
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock camerasOriginal candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated textWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Shapiro said he would welcome bipartisan legislation to ban the cameras across Pennsylvania. Backing a statewide ban is a call to end the network, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Brian Harrison "In a million years, I never could have even contemplated that this would be used to fund what is effectively warrantless surveillance, Otherwise, I can’t imagine it would have gotten unanimous support. I sure as hell wouldn’t have voted for it if I knew some bureaucrat was going to redirect the money to Flock cameras."
Open source (opens in a new tab)How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras · The Texas TribuneLawmaker quotations throughout the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Texas Rep. Brian Harrison said he never imagined the insurance fee he voted for would fund what he called effectively warrantless surveillance, and would not have voted for it had he known. The Texas Tribune reports he plans to file legislation banning the devices.
Role at the time: Texas state representative (R) running for reelection in District 10
Before the statement
The Texas Tribune reported that a state agency used a $1 auto insurance fee increase, passed unanimously in 2023, to fund at least 3,200 Flock cameras. Harrison voted for the bill and, according to the Tribune, filed bills in 2023 and 2025 to require a warrant before police could access license plate reader data.
After the statement
The Tribune reports that Harrison and Rep. Mitch Little intend to file bills next session banning the devices, and that Harrison said state officials should shut off Flock grants.
How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras · The Texas TribuneLawmaker quotations throughout the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Harrison called the Flock network effectively warrantless surveillance he would not have funded, and the Tribune reports he intends to file a bill banning the devices. His quoted words focus on the funding, but together with the reported ban plan they reject the systems, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mitch Little "The sheer volume of information captured is not something that is entertained, in my view, by the Fourth Amendment"
Open source (opens in a new tab)How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras · The Texas TribuneLawmaker quotations throughout the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Texas Rep. Mitch Little said the sheer volume of information Flock cameras capture is not allowed, in his view, by the Fourth Amendment. The Texas Tribune reports he plans to file legislation banning the devices.
Role at the time: Texas state representative (R) running for reelection in District 65
Before the statement
The Texas Tribune reported that a state agency used a $1 auto insurance fee increase, passed unanimously in 2023, to fund at least 3,200 Flock cameras across Texas.
After the statement
The Tribune reports that Little and Rep. Brian Harrison intend to file bills next session banning the devices. Little also said sharing the data across state and jurisdictional lines is highly problematic.
How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras · The Texas TribuneLawmaker quotations throughout the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Little said the volume of information the cameras capture is not permitted by the Fourth Amendment, and the Tribune reports he intends to file a bill banning the devices. That rejects the systems themselves, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Emma Curtis "I think we owe our residents a robust discussion about whether or not these cameras are still truly keeping us safe I believe based on all of the information that I have seen both prior and during my time in office, that Flock is not a corporation that acts in good faith or is worthy of our collective trust. I also believe that these cameras have far greater potential for collective harm than they did for collective good."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Public debate intensifies over Flock cameras in LexingtonRemarks by council member Emma Curtis, middle of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Emma Curtis said Lexington residents are owed a discussion about whether Flock cameras still keep the city safe, and that she believes the cameras have far greater potential for harm than good.
Role at the time: Lexington council member running for reelection in District 4
Before the statement
At an Aug. 27 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting, several public commenters asked the city to end its agreement with Flock Safety. Spectrum News reported that Curtis was the only council member to address the cameras.
After the statement
Curtis also said she does not believe the city's police department has misused the cameras. Spectrum News reported that Lexington's most recent Flock use audit found no improper searches by its officers.
Public debate intensifies over Flock cameras in LexingtonRemarks by council member Emma Curtis, middle of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Curtis said Flock is not worthy of the public's trust and that the cameras have far greater potential for harm than good, a judgment against the cameras themselves rather than against misuse by local police. She asked for a public discussion instead of naming a specific step, which is the limit of this label.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dan Laughlin "Public safety is a responsibility we all take seriously, but it should not require building a surveillance network capable of tracking the daily movements of millions of innocent individuals."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Laughlin plans legislation to prohibit networked license-plate surveillance camerasProposal would prohibit fixed networked ALPR systems while preserving patrol-mounted readersCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Dan Laughlin called for Pennsylvania to prohibit Flock and similar fixed, networked plate-reader systems while retaining vehicle-mounted readers for police work.
Role at the time: Pennsylvania state senator
Before the statement
Laughlin announced plans for state legislation after hearing constituent concerns about networked plate readers.
After the statement
His proposed restriction would not prohibit ordinary security cameras or vehicle-mounted plate readers.
Laughlin plans legislation to prohibit networked license-plate surveillance camerasProposal would prohibit fixed networked ALPR systems while preserving patrol-mounted readersWhy this label?
The networked collection of drivers' movements is the policy at issue. Laughlin rejects that system while distinguishing it from vehicle-mounted readers.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
William Lawrence "We have to put a stop to this mass surveillance. This is the most un-American thing I can imagine."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flocking to a Fight: Lawrence Takes Aim at Surveillance CamerasQuotation from William Lawrence's public remarksCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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William Lawrence called for stopping Flock-style mass surveillance during his Michigan congressional campaign.
Role at the time: 2026 Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Michigan's 7th district
Before the statement
Lawrence addressed the cameras while campaigning and supporting an end to Lansing's Flock contract.
After the statement
He opposed the network, not just a particular search of it.
Flocking to a Fight: Lawrence Takes Aim at Surveillance CamerasQuotation from William Lawrence's public remarksWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Lawrence said the state has to put a stop to mass surveillance and called it un-American, while campaigning to end Lansing's Flock contract. Opposing the network itself, without naming a narrower rule, fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ben Cline"Any Virginia municipality using this technology should stop Americans have a constitutional right to live their lives free from unchecked government surveillance. New technology does not strip citizens of that right."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Cline Calls on Virginia Municipalities to Halt Use of Flock CamerasSecond paragraphOpen the original interview (opens in a new tab)6th District Q&A: Ben Cline, Beth MacyCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Ben Cline said any Virginia municipality using Flock's technology should stop, and that Americans have a constitutional right to live free from unchecked government surveillance.
Role at the time: U.S. representative (R) from Virginia's 6th District running for reelection
Before the statement
Freedom Caucus Daily reports that Cline spoke after a WIRED investigation found Flock had built an artificial intelligence tool capable of identifying and tracking individual drivers.
After the statement
The article reports that Flock told WIRED the tool is a separate product from its plate-reader technology and that it plans new safeguards by the end of the year. VPM later reproduced the statement in its candidate survey after Cline did not answer its question on plate readers.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate readers such as Flock should exist and be used. Cline says any Virginia municipality using the technology should stop, citing a constitutional right to be free from unchecked government surveillance. That is a call to end local use, so we used Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Electronic Frontier Foundation "There is no configuration of an ALPR network that eliminates this risk"
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)EFF's policy position on ALPR surveillance · Electronic Frontier FoundationOpening policy position and The Case Against ALPRsCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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EFF argues that indiscriminate networked collection of drivers' location data should end, while seeking enforceable limits on systems already operating.
Role at the time: Digital-rights advocacy organization
Before the statement
EFF issued a policy statement on automated license-plate-reader surveillance.
After the statement
The statement distinguishes mass surveillance from traffic cameras that solely ticket a specific violation.
EFF's policy position on ALPR surveillance · Electronic Frontier FoundationOpening policy position and The Case Against ALPRsWhy this label?
The networked mass collection at issue is what EFF rejects. Its support for interim restrictions does not qualify that opposition.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Gina Hinojosa"There's only 10,000 Flock cameras reading your plate, logging where you sleep and pray, no warrant needed in Greg Abbott's Texas."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Hinojosa campaign ad criticizing Abbott's Flock camera rolloutCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Hinojosa's campaign ad criticized the scale and warrantless tracking of Texas's Flock network. It did not specify whether she would eliminate it or impose limits.
Role at the time: 2026 Democratic candidate for Texas governor, through a campaign ad
Before the statement
Hinojosa released an ad attacking Abbott's support for Flock cameras.
After the statement
The line is spoken by the ad's narrator. Its count of cameras is the campaign's claim, not a verified DI finding.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Hinojosa's ad criticized the number of Texas Flock cameras and tracking without a warrant. It did not name a remedy such as a ban or limits, so the statement is placed as critical with no remedy named. Criticizing the network fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Chaz Molder "That kind of big government overreach has no place in our country or Tennessee."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Chaz Molder rejected Flock-style cameras as government overreach during his congressional campaign.
Role at the time: 2026 Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee's 5th district
Before the statement
Molder addressed Flock cameras as their use became a campaign issue.
After the statement
He did not spell out a bill or implementation plan in the quoted statement.
Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Molder called Flock-style cameras big government overreach with no place in the country or Tennessee. Rejecting the cameras outright, without proposing limits, fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David Morales "As mayor, we will cancel our existing contract with the for-profit Flock Surveillance Company."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)One on One with Ian Donnis: Brett Smiley and David MoralesCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Providence mayoral candidate David Morales pledged to cancel the city's Flock contract, citing alleged violations of state law and local data-sharing agreements.
Role at the time: Rhode Island state representative and Democratic candidate for Providence mayor
Before the statement
Ian Donnis asked Morales whether Providence should allow license-plate readers like Flock.
After the statement
Morales said the company's alleged violations of state law and data-sharing agreements were a risk the city should not take.
Why this label?
Morales rejects the existing Flock network in Providence and pledges to end its contract.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Abdul El-Sayed"There's been this mass proliferation of Flock cameras, any and everywhere, watching your every move to collect information without you even noticing."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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El-Sayed criticized the proliferation of Flock cameras and linked his opponent to a broader surveillance regime. He did not make an explicit ban proposal in this video.
Role at the time: 2026 Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan
Before the statement
El-Sayed posted a campaign video criticizing his Republican opponent Mike Rogers.
After the statement
Rogers left Congress before Flock was founded. The video does not establish that Rogers caused Flock's expansion.
Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. El-Sayed criticized the mass proliferation of Flock cameras and their collection of information without people noticing. He did not name a remedy in this video, so the statement is placed as critical with no remedy named. Criticizing the network fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Gary McCoy "No, I don’t support the city’s use of Flock cameras."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Meet the District 8 candidates: Should SFPD use Flock surveillance cameras?CondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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In a response to Mission Local, McCoy opposed San Francisco's use of Flock cameras, citing risks to immigrant communities and insufficient safeguards over access to location data.
Role at the time: San Francisco District 8 supervisor candidate
Before the statement
Mission Local asked District 8 supervisor candidates whether they support San Francisco's use of Flock cameras.
After the statement
McCoy said police need resources but argued the camera network can expose vulnerable residents to surveillance.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. McCoy said he does not support the city's use of Flock cameras, citing risks to immigrant communities. Opposing the city's use of the cameras fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Shameka Parrish-Wright "These flock cameras and the lack of regulation around them is not good for a police department with a history of bias, with a history of racist practices, with a history of racial profiling, And so I don’t think that we are ready to deal with that. And so I think that we should eliminate our flock contract like other cities have done."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Louisville debates privacy and public safety over Flock cameras and new techCandidate responses in the full article, in the Louisville sectionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Louisville Metro Council member Shameka Parrish-Wright said Flock cameras and the lack of regulation around them are not good for a police department with a history of bias and racial profiling, and that the city should eliminate its Flock contract.
Role at the time: Louisville Metro Council member, District 3, running for mayor of Louisville
Before the statement
Spectrum News 1 reported that Mayor Craig Greenberg defended the city's Flock cameras and that Parrish-Wright said the city should be far more transparent about the cameras and their oversight.
After the statement
The article reports that she also raised concerns about the cameras being used to track or stalk individuals, and that police have rejected calls to disclose camera locations.
Louisville debates privacy and public safety over Flock cameras and new techCandidate responses in the full article, in the Louisville sectionWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate camera systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Parrish-Wright said the city is not ready to handle the cameras given the police department's history and that Louisville should eliminate its Flock contract, which calls for ending the city's use of the system.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jess Rivas "It's unnecessary and it's creepy as hell"
Open source (opens in a new tab)Dozens rally at Pasadena City Hall to demand removal of Flock camerasJess Rivas remarks at August 19 rallyCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Rivas said no license-plate-reader system should operate in Pasadena, including a replacement for Flock.
Role at the time: Pasadena vice mayor
Before the statement
Rivas spoke at a rally seeking removal of Pasadena's Flock cameras.
After the statement
She said an initially narrow deployment had expanded citywide.
Dozens rally at Pasadena City Hall to demand removal of Flock camerasJess Rivas remarks at August 19 rallyWhy this label?
She rejects local deployment of the technology rather than only the current vendor.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bernie Sanders"STOP AI MASS SURVEILLANCE. STOP FLOCK."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Sanders called for an end to Flock and AI mass surveillance and said he would introduce legislation addressing them.
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Vermont
Before the statement
Sanders posted about the spread of Flock cameras and their capacity to track drivers.
After the statement
The call opposes the network itself, rather than only a particular search or retention practice.
Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzyCandidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video descriptionWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Sanders posted a call to stop AI mass surveillance and stop Flock. Opposing the network itself fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Becky Daggett "When weighing the usefulness of the technology with potential privacy issues, public opposition to contracting with Flock, and the company’s missteps and breach of public trust, we unanimously voted to cancel the contract. As technology evolves quickly, this was a reminder to take additional measures to include potential privacy issues and manufacturer track record early in the process of selecting what will work for our community."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said the council weighed the technology's usefulness against privacy issues, public opposition and Flock's missteps before voting unanimously to cancel the contract, and that the city should consider privacy and a manufacturer's track record earlier when choosing technology.
Role at the time: Mayor of Flagstaff running for reelection
Before the statement
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit. Daggett began by thanking residents who raised concerns about the cameras and wrote that the council held several public meetings and researched claims of misuse elsewhere as well as effective use.
After the statement
Daggett added that internal policies on technology use would be discussed at a council meeting late in 2026.
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Daggett voted with the council to cancel Flagstaff's Flock contract after weighing the technology's usefulness against potential privacy issues, public opposition and the company's missteps and breach of public trust. She supports ending the city's Flock cameras and does not propose keeping them with limits, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Austin Aslan "Following Trump’s subsequent weaponization of ICE, the community was right to demand Council take an actual policy stance. A Flock contract renewal was considered during three separate Council meetings involving hours of public comment last Fall. I was the only councilmember to recommend cancelling the contract at all three meetings. I’m proud that I consistently side with valid public concerns on this and other important topics. Surveillance technology should be a city’s policy decision, not an administrative rubber stamp."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Flagstaff City Council member Austin Aslan said he was the only council member to recommend cancelling the city's Flock contract at all three meetings where its renewal was considered, and that surveillance technology should be a policy decision for the city.
Role at the time: Flagstaff City Council member running for reelection
Before the statement
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit. Aslan opened his answer by citing a John Oliver segment on police surveillance and writing that Flock cameras were first authorized in Flagstaff through a consent agenda during the Biden era.
After the statement
Aslan added that the Flagstaff Police Department is now discussing the use of drones in emergency response and urged residents to stay involved and keep weighing in.
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Aslan wrote that he was the only council member to recommend cancelling Flagstaff's Flock contract at all three meetings where renewal was considered, and that the community was right to demand a policy stance. He presents ending the contract as his position, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Drew Stanley "I am against any kind of unnecessary or invasive surveillance of the community. The Flock cameras, for example, were an unnecessary intrusion of privacy and I was glad to see their removal. I also believe that their use at both NAU and at the county level should be ceased as well."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Drew Stanley said Flagstaff's Flock cameras were an unnecessary intrusion on privacy, that he was glad they were removed, and that their use at Northern Arizona University and at the county level should also end.
Role at the time: Candidate for Flagstaff City Council
Before the statement
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit.
After the statement
Stanley's answer also said he opposes possible use of drones by law enforcement within city limits.
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Stanley wrote that Flagstaff's Flock cameras were an unnecessary intrusion on privacy, that he was glad they were removed, and that their use at Northern Arizona University and by the county should also stop. That is a call to end the systems, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Khara House "I’m proud of Council’s unanimous decision to cancel the City’s Flock contract. Before our decision, I engaged in extensive conversations with community members, advocacy organizations, the ACLU, and The Policing Project at NYU Law to better understand the privacy, civil liberties, data-sharing, and public safety implications of this technology. While the community expressed trust in and support for Flagstaff’s police department, it was also clear that there were issues with Flock. Since our cancellation, I’ve watched other Arizona communities follow our lead in cancelling their own Flock agreements."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Flagstaff City Council member Khara House said she is proud of the council's unanimous decision to cancel the city's Flock contract, and that conversations with residents, advocacy groups, the ACLU and the Policing Project at NYU Law made clear there were issues with Flock.
Role at the time: Flagstaff City Council member running for reelection
Before the statement
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit.
After the statement
House added that Flagstaff Police had set up a technology privacy task force and committed to broader public engagement on future technology. She said she wants the city investing in approaches that build community trust and protect civil liberties.
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. House, who voted with the council to cancel the city's Flock contract, wrote that she is proud of that decision and pointed to other Arizona communities cancelling their own agreements. She endorses ending the network in Flagstaff and does not propose keeping it with limits, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Patty Hansen "Flock cameras are automated license plate readers and vehicle surveillance technology. I oppose their use in Flagstaff. When the City entered into a contract with Flock in June 2024, the residents were not given an opportunity to weigh in on their use. I was pleased with the City Council’s December 2025 decision to cancel the contract after residents spoke out."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Patty Hansen said she opposes the use of Flock cameras in Flagstaff and was pleased that the City Council canceled the contract in December 2025 after residents spoke out.
Role at the time: Candidate for Flagstaff City Council
Before the statement
The Arizona Daily Sun asked the Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates on the November ballot where they stood on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff. The paper printed their written answers, limited to 150 words and unedited unless a candidate exceeded that limit.
After the statement
Hansen went on to write that residents should not have their movements tracked and stored in a searchable database when they are not suspected of a crime. She said she would ensure residents can weigh in on the use of any surveillance technology.
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Hansen wrote that she opposes their use in Flagstaff and welcomed the council's decision to cancel the city's Flock contract. That is a rejection of the system in the city, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lily Tang Williams "I oppose Flock cameras"
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Lily Tang Williams opposes Flock cameras in X postCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Read more
Lily Tang Williams explicitly opposed Flock cameras and presented them as a threat to privacy and Fourth Amendment rights. She did not specify a legislative remedy in this post.
Role at the time: Republican nominee for U.S. House in New Hampshire's 2nd District
Before the statement
Williams wrote about Flock cameras in a broader post about technologies she considers threats to civil liberties.
After the statement
She grouped the cameras with car kill switches, digital IDs, and central bank digital currency, but did not describe a proposed law or distinguish Flock's network from other license-plate readers.
Why this label?
Her statement expressly opposes the cameras at issue in the case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Anna Paulina Luna"I'm working on legislation to ban these."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Anna Paulina Luna statement on Flock ban legislationPost beginning I'm working on legislation to ban theseOpen source (opens in a new tab)Daily Caller report on congressional Flock billsEmbedded July 22 Luna postCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Luna said she was working on legislation to ban Flock cameras. The statement did not itself introduce a bill.
Role at the time: U.S. representative from Florida
Before the statement
Luna posted in response to a discussion of Flock cameras.
After the statement
Subsequent reporting found that no outright ban bill had been introduced by August 19.
Anna Paulina Luna statement on Flock ban legislationPost beginning I'm working on legislation to ban theseDaily Caller report on congressional Flock billsEmbedded July 22 Luna postWhy this label?
She explicitly proposed a ban on the cameras, though no bill was introduced in the cited statement.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Andrew Rice "All Flock cameras need to be removed immediately."
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Andrew Rice campaign post calling for Flock camera removalOriginal post, paragraphs on Flock camerasCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Read more
Rice said all Flock cameras should be removed, arguing that their continuous tracking creates government overreach. His statement did not exempt local or nonfederal systems.
Role at the time: Congressional candidate in Connecticut's 3rd District
Before the statement
Rice posted the statement during his campaign for Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District.
After the statement
He contrasted Flock cameras with community-based approaches to safety.
Andrew Rice campaign post calling for Flock camera removalOriginal post, paragraphs on Flock camerasWhy this label?
His statement calls for removal of all Flock cameras, not merely limits on funding or data sharing.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
James Fishback"We have to stop it here in Florida. We must block Flock now."
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)Block Flock debate reaches Florida gubernatorial raceOriginal candidate interview with David Jolly and reporting on Byron Donalds and James FishbackCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Read more
James Fishback's campaign platform pledged to end Flock camera use in Florida.
Role at the time: Former 2026 Republican candidate for Florida governor
Before the statement
Fishback spoke at a July 2026 rally as a Republican candidate for Florida governor.
After the statement
He called for a statewide ban and an end to Flock contracts; he was no longer a candidate after the primary.
Block Flock debate reaches Florida gubernatorial raceOriginal candidate interview with David Jolly and reporting on Byron Donalds and James FishbackWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Fishback said Florida must stop the cameras and block Flock now, and his platform pledged to end their use. A call to end the network fits Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Kathy Cohen "I took a lot of time to investigate them and I came to the conclusion that no city should have these cameras. We are simply not ready for them. We do not have laws for them. We are a society that is moving towards surveillance, Ring cameras, Blink cameras, everything else. And we need to figure out as a society how we're going to handle that. But I would like to see these cameras removed. I don't think that they increase public safety."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing ReformCandidate answers in the Flock Cameras and Surveillance section of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Kathy Cohen said that after investigating the cameras she concluded no city should have them, and that she would like to see them removed because she does not think they increase public safety.
Role at the time: Independent candidate for Roanoke City Council and chair of the Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Before the statement
At a Roanoke Rambler community forum at Melrose Library, an audience member asked City Council candidates whether they would work to permanently remove the company behind the city's Flock cameras and Raven gunshot detection program. Cohen said that as chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission she had received a private police briefing on the cameras.
After the statement
Cohen added that the city should take more time rather than rushing to a decision when it is offered a grant.
Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing ReformCandidate answers in the Flock Cameras and Surveillance section of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Cohen said she concluded no city should have these cameras and that she would like to see them removed from Roanoke. That is a call to remove the cameras, so Condemned fits, even though she also described society's wider questions about surveillance.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Danny Clawson "So I'm very clearly opposed to Flock and Raven as companies in our city because we cannot surveil our way to safety, right? We need to be investing in community-based solutions like we've been doing with things like Fed Up and these organizations, social networks uh, that are changing the way young people react and respond to violence."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing ReformCandidate answers in the Flock Cameras and Surveillance section of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Danny Clawson said he is clearly opposed to Flock and Raven operating in Roanoke and said the city should invest in community-based violence prevention instead of surveillance.
Role at the time: Democratic candidate for Roanoke City Council
Before the statement
At a Roanoke Rambler community forum at Melrose Library, an audience member asked City Council candidates whether they would work to permanently remove the company behind the city's Flock cameras and Raven gunshot detection program. The Rambler reported that the council had voted on July 6 to repeal the gunshot-detection program.
After the statement
Clawson said violence is a social problem and that the city should fund violence interrupters and work directly with repeat offenders. He closed by saying the city has to invest in people, not technology.
Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing ReformCandidate answers in the Flock Cameras and Surveillance section of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Asked whether candidates would remove the company from Roanoke, Clawson said he is clearly opposed to Flock and Raven as companies in the city and that the city cannot surveil its way to safety. That is a rejection of the system in Roanoke, not a call for limits, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Darren Bailey "As governor, I'll ban Flock mass surveillance cameras"
Open source (opens in a new tab)GOP's Darren Bailey, police at odds over license plate reading technologyBailey's July 9 Facebook statement and sheriffs' responseCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Bailey pledged to ban Flock's license-plate-reader cameras if elected Illinois governor.
Role at the time: Illinois gubernatorial candidate
Before the statement
Bailey posted his pledge during the Illinois governor's race.
After the statement
Illinois law-enforcement groups disputed the proposed ban.
GOP's Darren Bailey, police at odds over license plate reading technologyBailey's July 9 Facebook statement and sheriffs' responseWhy this label?
His pledge is an outright ban on the Flock system, not a warrant rule.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Raekwon Moore "While I believe law enforcement is acting with the sincere intention to implement strategies to react to emergency situations quicker, I do not support the use of Flock cameras or listening devices. I am not against looking into other options/cameras when it comes to traffic safety, but I think the way the city is going about things encroaches on our citizens’ right to privacy."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Here's where Roanoke City Council candidates stand on use of Flock devicesFull written statements from candidates at the end of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Moore said he does not support the use of Flock cameras or listening devices and that the city's approach encroaches on residents' right to privacy, while saying he is open to other traffic-safety options.
Role at the time: Democratic candidate for Roanoke City Council
Before the statement
WDBJ7 asked Roanoke City Council candidates where they stood on the city's use of Flock license-plate cameras and gunshot detectors after the city said 30 gunshot sensors had been installed at the wrong locations.
After the statement
WDBJ7 reported that Moore said Roanoke police were using the technology properly but that the devices were too much of an intrusion on privacy.
Here's where Roanoke City Council candidates stand on use of Flock devicesFull written statements from candidates at the end of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Moore says he does not support the use of Flock cameras or listening devices and that the city's approach encroaches on privacy. His openness to other traffic-safety cameras does not change his rejection of the Flock systems, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Amanda Marko "I looked into license plate reader technology when crime hit my own neighborhood and was deeply concerned about the always-on nature of systems that capture data on people who have done nothing wrong. With no warrant required and no clear limits on who can access that data, the opportunity for abuse outweighs the benefit. We can keep Roanoke safe without building costly surveillance infrastructure that we may come to regret."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Here's where Roanoke City Council candidates stand on use of Flock devicesFull written statements from candidates at the end of the articleCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Read more
Marko said license-plate reader systems capture data on people who have done nothing wrong, that the opportunity for abuse outweighs the benefit, and that Roanoke can stay safe without that surveillance infrastructure.
Role at the time: Republican candidate for Roanoke City Council
Before the statement
WDBJ7 asked Roanoke City Council candidates where they stood on the city's use of Flock license-plate cameras and gunshot detectors after the city said 30 gunshot sensors had been installed at the wrong locations.
After the statement
WDBJ7 reported that of the eight candidates who responded, only incumbent Vivian Sanchez-Jones and former mayor David Bowers explicitly supported using Flock technology.
Here's where Roanoke City Council candidates stand on use of Flock devicesFull written statements from candidates at the end of the articleWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems should exist and be used. Marko says the potential for abuse of always-on plate-reader systems outweighs their benefit and that Roanoke can stay safe without building that surveillance infrastructure. That rejects the systems themselves, so Condemned fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Francesca Hong"Every few weeks, it seems, another police officer gets caught using an AI surveillance system to spy on an ex-girlfriend or abortion patient. Some uses of AI are dangerous encroachments on our civil rights. Fran supports a ban on the highest-risk AI tools available to law enforcement: live facial recognition in public spaces, individual-level risk scoring for pretrial detention and sentencing, AI-powered camera tools like Flock, and social media surveillance services."
Read the official statement (opens in a new tab)Firewall: Francesca Hong's Plan for Protecting Privacy in an AI WorldSection headed Stop Police Surveillance AbuseOpen source (opens in a new tab)Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor on the use of Flock cameras and police surveillanceCandidate responses in the full article, under each candidate's nameCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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Francesca Hong's campaign said police officers keep getting caught misusing AI surveillance systems and that she supports a ban on the highest-risk AI tools available to law enforcement, including AI-powered camera tools like Flock.
Role at the time: Wisconsin state representative (D) running for governor in the 2026 Democratic primary
Before the statement
Hong's campaign published a plan called Firewall on AI and privacy, with a section on AI and law enforcement.
After the statement
The plan also says any algorithm-based or AI system used in policing should be open-source, independently audited and not controlled by a private vendor. The Milwaukee Courier cited the section in a July 2026 roundup of the Democratic candidates' positions on Flock cameras.
Firewall: Francesca Hong's Plan for Protecting Privacy in an AI WorldSection headed Stop Police Surveillance AbuseDemocratic candidates for Wisconsin governor on the use of Flock cameras and police surveillanceCandidate responses in the full article, under each candidate's nameWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate camera systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Hong's campaign plan says she supports a ban on AI-powered camera tools like Flock among the highest-risk AI tools available to police, which is a call to end their use rather than to limit it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Chelsea Byers "I don’t know how we recover from that sense of trust violated in this moment, And we keep hearing that it’s going to work and they’re putting safeguards in place, but ultimately, it’s up to us as a city to put some of these safeguards in place, and we’re doing our best to understand it. And I can’t give the sense of trust back to the public that we’ve done our due diligence in this moment here."
Open source (opens in a new tab)West Hollywood keeps Flock Safety camerasByers' remarks about trust in Flock, midway through the articleOpen source (opens in a new tab)"We Kicked Everybody Out": West Hollywood Keeps Flock Cameras in 3-2 VoteNear the top of the article, after the description of the voteCondemnedCase context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
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West Hollywood Councilmember Chelsea Byers said she did not know how the city could recover the trust Flock had violated, and that it was up to the city to put safeguards in place.
Role at the time: West Hollywood City Council member
Before the statement
At its March 16, 2026, meeting the West Hollywood City Council weighed whether to keep its Flock Safety cameras after reports and a lawsuit alleging the company shared data with federal immigration agents. Beverly Press reported that Byers voiced particular concern about whether to trust Flock.
After the statement
The council kept the contract on a 3-2 vote, with Byers and John Erickson dissenting, and directed staff to return with stricter limits on data sharing. WEHOonline's account of the meeting quotes Byers saying, "I cannot support ongoing relationships with Flock at this time."
West Hollywood keeps Flock Safety camerasByers' remarks about trust in Flock, midway through the article"We Kicked Everybody Out": West Hollywood Keeps Flock Cameras in 3-2 VoteNear the top of the article, after the description of the voteWhy this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Byers said she did not know how the city could recover the trust that had been violated, voted against keeping West Hollywood's Flock contract, and in WEHOonline's account of the same meeting said she could not support ongoing relationships with Flock at this time. Support for ending a city's Flock contract is labeled Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(194)
Reporting
Flock surveillance cameras become midterm campaign target as voters balk at tech companies' power
Relevant passage: Candidate and company statements in the full article
About this source
Associated Press original reporting compares 2026 candidates' views on banning, funding, and restricting Flock-style cameras. The article quotes several candidates and Flock directly; positions are attributed separately.
- Author
- Sarah Rankin and Associated Press contributors
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DFL lawmakers planning to bring back Flock camera legislation
Relevant passage: Report on the Aug. 21 news release, early in the article
About this source
Post Bulletin report on Minnesota DFL lawmakers' plan to reintroduce legislation regulating Flock cameras in 2027.
- Author
- Mary Murphy
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Rep. Brad Tabke - DFL-Authored Flock Camera Legislation to Return in 2027
Relevant passage: Quotation from Senator Oumou Verbeten in the joint news release
Excerpt
"We cannot allow Flock and its competitors to destroy our right to privacy."
About this source
Joint news release from Minnesota Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten and Rep. Brad Tabke, posted on the Minnesota House member news page, on their license plate reader bills.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Illinois bill would limit police use of license plate reader data amid privacy concerns
Relevant passage: Responses from state Reps. Jeff Keicher and Martin McLaughlin on House Bill 5151
About this source
Shaw Local News Network reported on Illinois House Bill 5151, which would limit police access to license plate reader data and how long it is kept, with responses from state legislators.
- Author
- Camden Lazenby, Amanda Marrazzo and Jeannine Otto
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
GOP Attorney General nominee Robertson favors compromise in Flock camera standoff
Relevant passage: Robertson's quoted remarks from the OAN interview, early in the article
Excerpt
"There is certainly a lot to gain from the use of Flock cameras in the way of public safety, but you've got to have safeguards in place."
About this source
1819 News report on remarks by Alabama attorney general nominee Katherine Robertson in an OAN television interview; the article embeds the interview video.
- Author
- Austen Shipley
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Candidate Q&A: Fulton County Commission Chair
Relevant passage: Each candidate's answer to the question on Flock Safety cameras
About this source
Appen Media Group published unedited written answers from both nominees for chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, election.
- Author
- Dan Whisenhunt
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Where Do the Waukesha County Sheriff Candidates Stand on Flock Cameras?
Relevant passage: Candidate position statements under the headings for Nick Ollinger and John G. Gscheidmeier
About this source
Wisconsin Right Now published the written positions on Flock cameras that the two Republican primary candidates for Waukesha County sheriff supplied, presented in full without edits.
- Author
- Jessica McBride
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Sheriff candidate Brown rejects Flock, draws endorsement from Republican Shepherd
Relevant passage: Brown's quoted remarks in the opening section of the article
Excerpt
"You've got to have public trust, and I just think people do not trust Flock."
About this source
The Roanoke Times reported on the Montgomery County, Virginia, sheriff's race, including Democratic candidate Tim Brown's pledge to remove the sheriff's office's Flock cameras.
- Author
- Ethan Hunt
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
"We Kicked Everybody Out": West Hollywood Keeps Flock Cameras in 3-2 Vote
Relevant passage: Near the top of the article, after the description of the vote
Excerpt
"I cannot support ongoing relationships with Flock at this time"
About this source
WEHOonline report on the West Hollywood City Council meeting of March 16, 2026, at which the council kept its Flock Safety cameras on a 3-2 vote.
- Author
- Brian Holt
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
West Hollywood keeps Flock Safety cameras
Relevant passage: Byers' remarks about trust in Flock, midway through the article
Excerpt
"I don't know how we recover from that sense of trust violated in this moment"
About this source
Beverly Press report on the West Hollywood City Council's 3-2 vote on March 16, 2026, to continue its contract with Flock Safety.
- Author
- Rance Collins
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Cline Calls on Virginia Municipalities to Halt Use of Flock Cameras
Relevant passage: Second paragraph
Excerpt
"Any Virginia municipality using this technology should stop,"
About this source
Freedom Caucus Daily report on Rep. Ben Cline's call for Virginia localities to stop using Flock Safety cameras after a WIRED investigation.
- Author
- Freedom Caucus Daily Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Relevant passage: Closing section on senators' remarks before the committee vote
Excerpt
"Sen. Lauren Kuby, D-Tempe, echoed Epstein's concerns, mentioning reports of how ALPR data has been used to track women who have sought abortions in other states."
About this source
Arizona Mirror report on the Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee hearing and vote on Senate Bill 1111, which would set rules for police use of automated license-plate readers.
- Author
- Jerod MacDonald-Evoy
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Q&A: Georgia attorney general candidate Brian Strickland talks Flock cameras and more
Relevant passage: Answer to the second question, on license plate readers and privacy
Excerpt
"Flock cameras are an amazing tool for law enforcement as long as they're not abused."
About this source
Question-and-answer interview with Brian Strickland published by The Red & Black, the independent student newspaper at the University of Georgia; the paper says answers were edited for clarity.
- Author
- Julia Beauchamp
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
WeHo hasn't grown in 42 years. Helen Krieger says that's the problem
Relevant passage: Q&A answer under "So what would you want to do instead?"
Excerpt
"It could allow certain cameras but require a human in the loop"
About this source
Local News Pasadena question-and-answer interview with West Hollywood City Council candidate Helen Krieger about housing, street design and surveillance cameras.
- Author
- Sheryl Turner
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Robinson, Peinder talk growth, Flock cameras and priorities ahead of District 3 runoff
Relevant passage: Question on Flock: 'What should the city do with the system'
Excerpt
"Huntsville's use of Flock cameras has become a significant issue in this race."
About this source
256 Today asked both Huntsville City Council District 3 runoff candidates the same five questions before the Sept. 22, 2026 runoff.
- Author
- Mecca Musick
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Aaron Jones seeks bipartisan limits on Flock cameras in Ohio
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs quoting his campaign statement
Excerpt
"Flock is one example, but AI-powered surveillance is spreading fast, and the law needs to catch up"
About this source
TiffinOhio.net report on a campaign statement by Ohio House District 88 candidate Aaron Jones about Flock cameras and AI surveillance.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Candidates in tight LG's race debate energy costs, ICE, Flock and more
Relevant passage: Section 'Flock cameras'
Excerpt
"but if Flock cameras are going to exist, they need to have Fourth Amendment protections."
About this source
The Providence Journal's account of the Sept. 25, 2026 WPRI debate between Rhode Island lieutenant governor candidates Sabina Matos and John Loughlin.
- Author
- Antonia Noori Farzan
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Racine County sheriff race, Republicans on primary ballot
Relevant passage: Section 'What are their opinions on Flock cameras?'
Excerpt
""When used appropriately, they are extremely effective," Madrigal said."
About this source
FOX6 News Milwaukee profile of the two Republican candidates for Racine County sheriff on the eve of the Aug. 11, 2026 primary.
- Author
- Ben Hanson
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
2026 Election: Dakota County Sheriff
Relevant passage: Candidate questionnaire, Transparency question on Flock cameras
Excerpt
"Do you support the continued use of Flock cameras in Dakota County? Why or why not?"
About this source
West St. Paul Reader questionnaire in which both Dakota County sheriff candidates answered the same written questions, including one on Flock cameras.
- Author
- Kevin D. Hendricks
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Commission candidates offer thoughts on Flock
Relevant passage: Final paragraphs, Lytle's remarks after the sheriff's department description
Excerpt
"I can say that if I was on the commission and I didn't have that access, that would be the end of Flock."
About this source
The Dominion Post interviewed both Monongalia County Commission candidates on the November 2026 ballot about the county's Flock camera program.
- Author
- Ben Conley
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Candidate Joel Zaldivar Makes His Case for WeHo City Council
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning 'As for the Flock cameras'
Excerpt
"As for the Flock cameras, I have to stand firmly against their use."
About this source
Signed campaign column by the candidate, published by WEHOonline as a written response to its City Council forum questions.
- Author
- Joel Zaldivar
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Fact Check: Where Folsom 1st District Council candidates stand on ALPRs, Flock
Relevant passage: Candidate positions on license plate readers, throughout the article
About this source
The Sacramento Bee report on where the three Folsom City Council District 1 candidates stand on automated license plate readers and Flock cameras.
- Author
- Haley Parsley
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
4th District Q&A: Jennifer McClellan, Robert "Family Man" Murray
Relevant passage: Answers to the question on Flock and other automatic license plate readers
About this source
VPM News candidate questionnaire for Virginia's 4th Congressional District, published Sept. 18, 2026, with answers lightly edited for style and clarity.
- Author
- Keyris Manzanares, VPM News
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Michigan lawmaker seeks limits on license plate reader data
Relevant passage: Section headed "Proposed restrictions"
About this source
WNEM report on a Michigan House bill to limit the sharing of automated license plate reader data, with comments from Rep. Carrie Rheingans.
- Author
- Trae Harris
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flock cameras enter Florida Senate race as opponents seek bans
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs on Brodeur and Lowndes
About this source
Orlando Sentinel report, published by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, on Flock cameras as an issue in the 2026 Florida Senate District 10 race.
- Author
- Ryan Gillespie
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Senator Jason Brodeur to File Legislation Banning Current Flock Camera Programs Due to Privacy and Due Process Concerns
Relevant passage: Quoted statement in the second paragraph of the release
Excerpt
"For that reason, I intend to file the first legislation to ban current Flock camera programs."
About this source
News release from the Florida Senate office of Sen. Jason Brodeur, dated Sept. 1, 2026.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Meet the Candidates: Carver County Sheriff
Relevant passage: Answers to Question 3, on Flock cameras and other automated license plate reader technology
About this source
Sun Patriot candidate questionnaire for the 2026 Carver County, Minnesota, sheriff race, publishing both candidates' unedited written answers.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Fact check: Where Fresno Council D1 candidates Fuentes, Singh stand on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Sections on Rob Fuentes and Naindeep Singh
Excerpt
""The city should not renew its contract with Flock," the former federal prosecutor and State Center Community College District trustee said."
About this source
The Fresno Bee asked both Fresno City Council District 1 candidates whether the city should renew its Flock camera contract, which expires in 2026.
- Author
- Liliana Fannin
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Illinois may have troubling legal gap on how to hold officers who misuse Flock cameras accountable, ABC7 Chicago I-Team learns
Relevant passage: Section on state-level action, quote from Rep. Nicolle Grasse
Excerpt
""There is great benefit that can come from these. But with that benefit comes great responsibility and risk.""
About this source
ABC7 Chicago I-Team report on Flock camera misuse by a Naperville officer and on Illinois law for holding officers accountable.
- Author
- Mark Rivera, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Tom Jones
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Controversial AI License Plate Surveillance and Flock Cameras Heat up Bucks County State Senate Race
Relevant passage: Quotes from Eileen Hartnett Albillar and Frank Farry on Senate Bill 933
Excerpt
""Sen. Farry should remove his name from this legislation instead of helping expand a surveillance network that puts enormous amounts of personal data into the hands of Big Tech," Hartnett Albillar said."
About this source
Bucks County Beacon report on the Pennsylvania Senate District 6 race and Senate Bill 933, which would expand license plate readers on state roads and PennDOT infrastructure.
- Author
- Melinda Rizzo
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Fulcher signs on to bill limiting federal agents' access to Flock, other surveillance data
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting the press release and the Aug. 12 interview
Excerpt
""The data privacy stuff, especially recently with the Flock cameras, that has got a lot of people on edge," Fulcher said."
About this source
Idaho Capital Sun report on Fulcher's cosponsorship of the PRIVACY Act and Idaho concerns about Flock cameras.
- Author
- Laura Guido
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Fulcher Signs On to Bill Protecting Idahoans' Privacy
Relevant passage: Statement paragraph after the dateline
Excerpt
""It's simple: if the federal government wants to access state and local systems' data on citizens, they need to get a warrant.""
About this source
Press release from Rep. Russ Fulcher's congressional office on his cosponsorship of H.R. 9716, the PRIVACY Act.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Jackson Commission candidates discuss school bond, library, Flock, and more
Relevant passage: District 1 race, Casey Walawender profile, final paragraph
Excerpt
"On Flock cameras, she said, "If I had to vote on this issue right now, I would vote to defund them.""
About this source
The Smoky Mountain News interviews with challengers for the Jackson County, North Carolina, Board of Commissioners ahead of the November 2026 election.
- Author
- Alex Perri
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Candidates vie for three seats on WeHo City Council
Relevant passage: Candidate profiles, each candidate's answer on Flock cameras
Excerpt
""The cameras would be carefully regulated and used only to solve the crimes that we need to get solved.""
About this source
Beverly Press and Park Labrea News profiles of seven West Hollywood City Council candidates, each asked about the city's Flock camera contract.
- Author
- Senna Ihab Omar
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
The 2026 Bristol Town Council candidate forum
Relevant passage: Transcript of the Bristol Town Council candidate forum, answers on Flock cameras and on first priorities
Excerpt
"Flock Camera is a hot issue."
About this source
Steve Ahlquist published a transcript, edited for clarity, and video of the Bristol Town Council candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island and the East Bay Media Group at the Bristol State House.
- Author
- Steve Ahlquist
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Fact check: Where do Fresno City Council D7 candidates stand on Flock cameras?
Relevant passage: Sections headed "Nav Gurm on flock cameras" and "Ariana Martinez-Lott on flock cameras"
Excerpt
""The city should not renew the Flock cameras contract," Gurm said."
About this source
A Fresno Bee Reality Check article that asked both Fresno City Council District 7 candidates for their positions on the city's Flock camera contract.
- Author
- Liliana Fannin
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Attorney general of South Dakota plans to introduce 'safeguards' for license plate readers
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning "I think this is, because of really what's happened nationally," after the description of the 2023 Clark County case
Excerpt
"proper legislation that allows law enforcement to use vital tools and has safeguards for private, individual privacy"
About this source
A South Dakota Searchlight report on the attorney general's plan to propose state rules for automatic license plate readers.
- Author
- Meghan O'Brien
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Election 2026 - Candidate Question #8: Where do you stand on Flock cameras?
Relevant passage: Candidate answers under the Council and Mayor headings of the article
Excerpt
"This week’s question: Where do you stand on Flock cameras and their potential use in Flagstaff?"
About this source
Arizona Daily Sun feature in its 2026 candidate question series, printing the written answers of Flagstaff City Council and mayoral candidates to a question about Flock cameras. The paper says the answers were limited to 150 words and printed unedited unless a candidate went over that limit.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kaul calls for lawmakers to enact Flock camera guardrails
Relevant passage: Third paragraph of the article
Excerpt
"There hasn’t been the kind of robust discussion or debate in the public forum where it should be happening, which is in our Legislature"
About this source
WisPolitics report on Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul's remarks on Flock cameras and other issues at a Milwaukee Press Club luncheon.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Central Texas is rejecting Flock license plate readers. What will Austin do?
Relevant passage: Council member responses in the middle of the article
Excerpt
"Flock has proven themselves to be completely untrustworthy"
About this source
Austin American-Statesman report on Central Texas cities ending Flock contracts and where Austin City Council members stand on license-plate readers.
- Author
- Austin Sanders
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Lawmaker quotations throughout the article
Excerpt
"The sheer volume of information captured is not something that is entertained, in my view, by the Fourth Amendment"
About this source
Texas Tribune analysis of how the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority used a 2023 auto insurance fee increase to fund Flock license-plate cameras, with comment from state lawmakers, police and privacy advocates.
- Author
- Ayden Runnels
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Where do candidates for Tennessee governor stand on Flock cameras?
Relevant passage: Second paragraph of the article
Excerpt
"we know that these tools are very often misused, but they are useful and they can help prevent crime"
About this source
WATE 6 On Your Side report on where candidates in Tennessee's 2026 Republican primary for governor stand on Flock license-plate cameras.
- Author
- Jack Ziskin
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
MEDIA ADVISORY: Lynchburg Better Together Statement on LPD’s Pause of Flock Cameras
Relevant passage: Candidate quotations in the body of the release
Excerpt
"Pausing the cameras while an independent review is done is a smart step"
About this source
Campaign statement from the Lynchburg Better Together slate of Lynchburg City Council candidates, issued after the Lynchburg Police Department paused its fixed Flock cameras pending an independent review.
- Author
- The SSC Team
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Melrose Mixer: Nine Council Candidates Spar Over Schools, Flock Tech, and Housing Reform
Relevant passage: Candidate answers in the Flock Cameras and Surveillance section of the article
Excerpt
"So I'm very clearly opposed to Flock and Raven as companies in our city because we cannot surveil our way to safety, right?"
About this source
Roanoke Rambler transcript of a community forum at Melrose Library where Roanoke City Council candidates answered audience questions, including one on Flock cameras and the Raven gunshot detection program.
- Author
- Roanoke Rambler Staff, Hart Fowler Lead
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Boulder entrepreneur Aquiles La Grave announces run for mayor
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the city's Flock Safety contract, after the airport discussion
Excerpt
"How does the city explain being a sanctuary city at the same time as having AI-assisted mass surveillance"
About this source
Boulder Reporting Lab article on Aquiles La Grave's campaign for mayor of Boulder, based on an interview with the candidate.
- Author
- Brooke Stephenson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Louisville debates privacy and public safety over Flock cameras and new tech
Relevant passage: Candidate responses in the full article, in the Louisville section
Excerpt
"We're very focused on protections to make sure that they're used in a constitutional, appropriate way"
About this source
Spectrum News 1 Kentucky report on debate in Louisville over Flock license-plate cameras and other new technology.
- Author
- D'Quan Lee
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Will backlash to data centers, Flock cameras impact NC's US Senate race?
Relevant passage: Section headed Where Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley stand on data centers, Flock cameras
Excerpt
"he supports putting clear safeguards and privacy protections in place to ensure these incidents do not occur and allowing local communities to have a say on their use"
About this source
Charlotte Observer report, republished by The East Carolinian through Tribune Content Agency, on data centers and Flock cameras in North Carolina's 2026 U.S. Senate race.
- Author
- Mary Ramsey
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kendall County Sheriff candidates debate use of Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Candidate responses in the full article, in the Flock camera section
Excerpt
"I think that having the prior permission to utilize that search is something that you build with trust"
About this source
Shaw Local report on a Sept. 21, 2026, League of Women Voters Aurora Area forum for the candidates for Kendall County sheriff in Illinois.
- Author
- Eric Schelkopf
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor on the use of Flock cameras and police surveillance
Relevant passage: Candidate responses in the full article, under each candidate's name
Excerpt
"Every few weeks, it seems, another police officer gets caught using an AI surveillance system to spy on an ex-girlfriend or abortion patient."
About this source
Milwaukee Courier roundup of written responses from Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor on Flock cameras and police surveillance, published before the August 2026 primary.
- Author
- Drake Bentley
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Firewall: Francesca Hong's Plan for Protecting Privacy in an AI World
Relevant passage: Section headed Stop Police Surveillance Abuse
Excerpt
"Fran supports a ban on the highest-risk AI tools available to law enforcement: ... AI-powered camera tools like Flock"
About this source
Policy page on Francesca Hong's 2026 campaign website for Wisconsin governor, setting out her proposals on AI, privacy and police surveillance.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flock cameras, data centers take center stage at Savannah candidate town hall
Relevant passage: Dillie's remarks in the middle of the article
Excerpt
"Hopefully we can get control of these Flock cameras. I understand privacy concerns"
About this source
WTOC report on a Savannah Indivisible candidate forum covering data centers and Flock cameras.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Georgia state senator responds to Flock camera misuse, privacy concerns
Relevant passage: Albers' remarks near the end of the article
Excerpt
"I think throwing the baby out with the bathwater is a really foolish idea"
About this source
WRDW/WAGT report on Georgia state Sen. John Albers' response to Flock camera misuse cases and Florida's removal order.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Amid backlash, Kentucky lawmakers signal support for more Flock camera regulations
Relevant passage: Lawmakers' remarks in the closing section of the article
Excerpt
"I don't know why we wouldn't require a warrant, unless there's exigent circumstances"
About this source
Kentucky Public Radio report, published by Louisville Public Media, on a Sept. 3, 2026 interim House Judiciary Committee hearing on automated license-plate readers.
- Author
- Joe Sonka
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Tulsa District 9: Ben Johnson, Pete Regan, Shawn Tiemann disagree on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Candidate responses on Flock cameras in the body of the article
Excerpt
"Flock cameras can be used for good, as with any technology, but there has to be regulations put in place."
About this source
NonDoc report on the Aug. 10 Tulsa Press Club forum for the Tulsa City Council District 9 race, with a profile of each candidate.
- Author
- Tristan Loveless
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Troy Jackson: I'd vote to ban Flock and other AI-powered license plate reading cameras
Relevant passage: Transcript below the audio clip
Excerpt
"Jackson: Yeah, I would. I mean, I think right now, everything I know personally and as far as for people across Maine, they do not like it."
About this source
Maine Newsroom audio clip and transcript of a question put to Troy Jackson in York, Maine, about a Flock camera ban.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Missouri state Rep. Proudie wants to punish people who misuse Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Fifth paragraph of the article accompanying the podcast episode
Excerpt
"“It's such a huge violation of public trust,” she said. “I would love to see that to be a felony.”"
About this source
St. Louis Public Radio article accompanying a Politically Speaking podcast episode with Missouri state Rep. Raychel Proudie.
- Author
- Jason Rosenbaum, Sarah Kellogg
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Concerns about misuse of Flock cameras cross Alabama's political aisle
Relevant passage: Quotations attributed to Jones in the second half of the article
Excerpt
""I think that's a pretty good idea right now until the appropriate guardrails get in place.""
About this source
WSFA report, published on WTVY, on concerns from Alabama politicians of both parties about misuse of Flock cameras.
- Author
- Jessica Umbro
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Do Knox Co. mayoral candidates Beau Hawk and Betsy Henderson support Flock cameras?
Relevant passage: Subheading quoting Hawk and the paragraphs after it
Excerpt
"Beau Hawk: "Until we kind of ensure that those protections are in place to make sure that people's constitutional rights are protected, I would not support Flock cameras.""
About this source
WATE report on the Knox County mayoral candidates' positions on the sheriff's office plan to install Flock cameras, from a Tennessee This Week taping.
- Author
- Hope McAlee
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Here's where Roanoke City Council candidates stand on use of Flock devices
Relevant passage: Full written statements from candidates at the end of the article
Excerpt
"The following are full written statements provided to WDBJ7."
About this source
WDBJ7 report on where Roanoke City Council candidates stood on the city's Flock license-plate cameras and gunshot detectors, with the candidates' full written statements.
- Author
- Colby Johnson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flock cameras become issue in race for Ohio governor
Relevant passage: Quotation attributed to Ramaswamy after the paragraph on Amy Acton's call for a ban
Excerpt
""I do not want to see an authoritarian surveillance state that ultimately threatens what this country was built on," said Ramaswamy."
About this source
WKRC Local 12 report, syndicated on Dayton 24/7 Now, on how Ohio's candidates for governor and state officials view Flock cameras.
- Author
- Chris Arnold
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Harris County renews contract for law enforcement license plate cameras despite resident pushback
Relevant passage: Commissioner Lesley Briones's remarks, after the other commissioners' comments
About this source
Community Impact reported on the Harris County Commissioners Court vote of May 28, 2026, to renew the sheriff's office contract with Flock Safety.
- Author
- Sarah Brager
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Public debate intensifies over Flock cameras in Lexington
Relevant passage: Remarks by council member Emma Curtis, middle of the article
About this source
Spectrum News 1 reported on public comment about Flock cameras at a late-August Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting.
- Author
- Mason Brighton
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Senate Leaders Call For Towns To Pause License Plate Readers, Flock Cameras
Relevant passage: Quotations from Duff and Maroney after the summary of Public Act 26-14
About this source
CT News Junkie reported on a call by Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Sen. James Maroney for towns to pause new license-plate reader installations.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Legislative candidates tackle questions on Flock cameras, data centers, I-70 tolling
Relevant passage: Candidate answers to the Flock camera question, early in the article
About this source
The Tribune-Star of Terre Haute reported on a League of Women Voters of Vigo County forum for Indiana legislative candidates. The report was republished by Yahoo News.
- Author
- Sue Loughlin
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Candidates for DuPage County Sheriff
About this source
Full recorded forum with Peter Coolidge and Sean Noonan, published by ElmhurstTV. The Flock statements are quoted in original local reporting.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Candidates To Take Questions At Elmhurst Forum
Relevant passage: September 13 sheriff forum schedule
About this source
Pre-forum report gives the September 13 date and scheduled time for the sheriff candidate discussion.
- Author
- David Giuliani
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
DuPage County Sheriff 2026 candidate questionnaire
Relevant passage: Peter Coolidge answer on top issues facing sheriff's office
About this source
League of Women Voters candidate guide reproduces Coolidge's own answer on Flock camera access rules.
- Accessed
Official statement
Parkville Suspends Flock Camera Program
Relevant passage: City Administrator Alexa Barton's signed statement
About this source
Parkville's official statement announces an immediate temporary camera shutdown while the city reviews outside access to its data.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Manvel council votes to end Flock contract
Relevant passage: Mayor Dan Davis statement before council vote
About this source
Original local reporting quotes Mayor Davis during the public hearing and explains that he opposes Flock's contract rather than all license plate readers.
- Author
- Christian Terry and Corley Peel
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Groveland Police Department Suspends Use of Flock Safety Cameras
Relevant passage: Acting Chief Armando Loney quotation in media release
About this source
Groveland Police Department media release states that it suspended all its Flock cameras pending review of oversight and governance.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Dutchess to End Flock Camera Use
Relevant passage: September 25 statements by Sue Serino, Anthony Parisi and Kirk Imperati
About this source
Original regional reporting reproduces the separate statements of three Dutchess County officials after public opposition to the county's Flock contract.
- Author
- Jeff Simms
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Rep. Callahan calls for ban on use of license plate reader cameras
Relevant passage: Callahan statement and possible path forward
About this source
Original reporting reproduces Callahan's statement, including his proposed hearing and conditions for any continued use.
- Author
- Sean White
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
City Council calls on the state to control Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Rue Landau quotation following council resolution
About this source
Original local reporting quotes Landau after Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution seeking a state ban or stronger regulation.
- Author
- Michaela Althouse
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DuPage Sheriff Hopefuls To Keep Flock Cameras, With Controls
Relevant passage: Candidate forum statements from Peter Coolidge and Sean Noonan
About this source
Original local reporting quotes both sheriff candidates on continued camera use and proposed controls.
- Author
- David Giuliani
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Oregon Capital Chronicle: lawmakers consider Flock camera ban
Relevant passage: Chotzen quotes and paragraphs on proposed 2027 legislation
About this source
Original reporting quotes Rep. Willy Chotzen directly and describes his work with Rep. Alek Skarlatos on possible 2027 legislation to prohibit Flock cameras statewide. The proposal had not been filed.
- Author
- Shaanth Nanguneri
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
WUSF: Bryan Avila answers Flock camera question at Tampa Tiger Bay Club
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning 'He was also asked his position' and 'We are working with law enforcement'
About this source
WUSF quotes Bryan Avila directly during his September 18 appearance at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club. He discussed retaining crime-solving tools while respecting personal rights.
- Author
- Steve Newborn
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Congressional Record: Subramanyam on Flock camera searches
Relevant passage: House pp. H5539-H5540, 'Using Flock Cameras for Warrantless Searches'
About this source
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam addressed the House on September 14 about networked plate readers and called for safeguards against warrantless surveillance.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Ken Krawchuk calls for statewide Flock ban pending legislation
About this source
The campaign published Krawchuk's remarks from a July 29 rally calling for a statewide pause on government use of Flock cameras until Pennsylvania sets rules for surveillance data.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Meet the District 8 candidates: Should SFPD use Flock surveillance cameras?
About this source
Mission Local published direct responses from San Francisco District 8 supervisor candidates to whether they support the city's use of Flock cameras.
- Author
- Io Yeh Gilman
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Don Kissick campaign platform on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Flock Cameras section
Excerpt
"Ohioans should not have their movements routinely tracked, photographed, and stored simply for driving on public roads."
About this source
Kissick's campaign platform opposes routine tracking of drivers and says he would seek to restrict or prohibit government use of automated license-plate surveillance systems. It also proposes data limits and a bar on state funding for mass-surveillance networks.
- Author
- Don Kissick for Ohio Governor
- Accessed
Official statement
Jocelyn Benson on Flock camera privacy and proposed rules
Relevant passage: Statement text under headline
Excerpt
"We can protect public safety and personal privacy when government is transparent about how it uses technology and is accountable for the power it has."
About this source
Benson's campaign statement discusses how Flock camera data is collected, accessed, shared and deleted. She calls for legislation to govern those practices while protecting public safety and privacy.
- Author
- Jocelyn Benson for Governor
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
John James threads needle on Flock camera backlash in Michigan: 'Balance is the key'
About this source
Original reporting from a September 2 press call quotes James on Flock cameras, privacy, and law-enforcement use.
- Author
- David Sivak
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Stephen Wagley Rips Flock Cameras, Data Centers Over Oversight
About this source
Original interview report quotes Wagley's comments about continuous Flock surveillance and the need for oversight.
- Author
- Mariane Angela
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Stephen Wagley interview with Breitbart News Saturday
About this source
Full radio interview includes Wagley's comments about officials funding Flock cameras without oversight.
- Author
- Breitbart News Saturday
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
AOC on Flock Cameras: I Don't Even Know How They're Legal Half the Time
About this source
Article transcribes the congresswoman's remarks and embeds the on-camera exchange.
- Author
- Terra Watts
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez answers question about Flock cameras
About this source
Video of a reporter's question and Ocasio-Cortez's response on Flock cameras, local police contracts, and networked surveillance.
- Author
- Acyn
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Senate Judiciary Committee FBI oversight hearing, September 15, 2026
About this source
Full hearing recording includes Cornyn's question about public criticism of license-plate readers and Patel's response defending case-by-case FBI use.
- Author
- Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Amid national backlash, Patel throws support behind Flock cameras
About this source
Contemporaneous reporting quotes Patel's defense and summarizes Cornyn's questions about privacy and law-enforcement value.
- Author
- Emily Hallas
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
FBI Director Defends Flock Camera Use Amid Privacy Concerns
About this source
Contemporaneous report directly quotes Cornyn's remarks about a rush to judgment on Flock cameras.
- Author
- Texas Politics
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Castro calls for federal regulation of Flock-camera data
Excerpt
"Congress must begin developing regulation and built-in protections for Americans."
About this source
Second post in Castro's thread. He calls for congressional regulation and built-in protections.
- Author
- Joaquin Castro
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rep. Joaquin Castro says Flock cameras threaten national security
Excerpt
"Flock cameras threaten our national security."
About this source
First post in a two-post Bluesky thread. Castro says agency handling of Flock data is insecure.
- Author
- Joaquin Castro
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Lauren Pinkston for Tennessee, issues platform
Relevant passage: Public Safety & Justice: Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs / Flock Cameras)
About this source
Pinkston's campaign platform proposes a seven-day retention limit, human confirmation of matches, case-linked searches, and restrictions on outside agency access.
- Accessed
Original text
Jerri Green, What the Flock are we doing?
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning 'But public safety' and 'Tennessee needs clear statewide rules'
About this source
Green's essay calls for statewide limits on retention, access, audits, and sharing of automated license-plate data.
- Author
- Jerri Green
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
David Hatley interview on The Todd Starnes Show
Relevant passage: Transcript, answer to 'Tell me about the flock cameras'
About this source
Hatley told Todd Starnes that Flock cameras are too expensive and invade privacy. He favors hiring detectives instead.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
David Hatley for Governor platform, Ban Flock Cameras
Relevant passage: Platform: Ban Flock Cameras
About this source
Hatley's campaign platform calls for banning Flock cameras while acknowledging that they can help solve crimes.
- Accessed
Original text
Andrew Rice campaign post calling for Flock camera removal
Relevant passage: Original post, paragraphs on Flock cameras
About this source
Rice identifies himself as a congressional candidate and links his campaign website in the post. He explicitly calls for removal of all Flock cameras.
- Author
- Andrew Rice
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Michaela Barnett speaks out against Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Campaign press release dated July 27, 2026
About this source
Barnett's campaign release criticizes networked tracking and calls for federal privacy legislation while linking to her detailed privacy plan.
- Author
- Michaela for Tennessee
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flock cameras face bipartisan skepticism on Capitol Hill
Relevant passage: Cory Booker remarks at September 23 Senate hearing
About this source
Firsthand Capitol News Service reporting quotes Booker criticizing government capacity to abuse rights through Flock-style cameras.
- Author
- Cat Murphy, Capital News Service
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Tennessee's political winds appear to be shifting on license plate readers
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Blackburn's candidate questionnaire answer and later Franklin remarks
About this source
Full reprint of Steven Hale's Nashville Banner reporting under Creative Commons. It gives Blackburn's direct questionnaire answer and her later distinction between reading a plate and continuous surveillance.
- Author
- Steven Hale, Nashville Banner
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Michaela Barnett, Protect East Tennesseans' Privacy
Relevant passage: What I'll work for in Congress to fix it
About this source
Barnett's campaign privacy plan states proposed limits on cross-community Flock data sales and government access to movement data.
- Author
- Michaela for Tennessee
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Candidates for Ohio attorney general address Flock cameras controversy, make proposals
Relevant passage: Faber's plan
About this source
Ohio Capital Journal directly quotes Faber's campaign release and Kulewicz's statement about whether Flock cameras should remain available and how data collection should be limited.
- Author
- Nick Evans
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Ohio lawmakers push for tighter restrictions on Flock license plate cameras
About this source
WKYC's original August 25 report interviews Ohio lawmakers about proposals to ban or regulate Flock cameras; the quoted wording is corroborated by the Ohio House reproduction of the report.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ohio lawmakers push for tighter restrictions on Flock license plate cameras
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning 'Not every lawmaker supports a ban'
About this source
Ohio House republication of WKYC reporting reproduces Plummer's direct comments favoring local choice and safeguards rather than a statewide ban.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Representative Dean to Introduce Ohio Freedom from Mass Surveillance Act
Relevant passage: Dean's quoted statement
About this source
Ohio House press release contains Dean's direct statement and describes his proposal to prohibit government deployment of mass-surveillance systems such as Flock cameras absent a warrant.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Rep. Rader Supports Statewide Flock Ban: We Can't Compromise Yet
Relevant passage: Rader's quoted statement
About this source
Ohio House press release contains Rader's direct endorsement of a statewide ALPR ban and his explanation for rejecting guardrails alone.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst calls for ALPR ban
Relevant passage: Paragraphs under 'Get the Flock out of Texas'
About this source
KBTX quotes Kolkhorst's August 31 Facebook essay and describes her support for an outright ALPR ban. The original Facebook post was not directly retrieved.
- Author
- Cris Cordova
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Always Watching: Congress Begins Investigating Flock Cameras
Relevant passage: A Bipartisan Solution Might Be Possible
About this source
The Daily Signal directly interviewed Blumenthal after the September 23 Senate hearing and quoted his proposals for warrant rules, retention limits and limits on a national database.
- Author
- Virginia Grace McKinnon
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Beth Farnham campaign newsletter discusses Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Flock Flak section
About this source
Farnham's own campaign newsletter distinguishes government-funded Flock deployment from privately purchased cameras.
- Author
- Beth Farnham
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Minnesota House District 53A candidate questionnaire on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Transparency question and candidate answers
About this source
Candidate questionnaire prints direct answers from Mary Frances Clardy and AJ Gubash about continued Flock camera use in Minnesota.
- Author
- Kevin D. Hendricks
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Lily Tang Williams opposes Flock cameras in X post
About this source
Original post by Lily Tang Williams stating her opposition to Flock cameras.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
In Defense of Flock
About this source
Lehman argues against banning networked license-plate readers while acknowledging privacy concerns.
- Author
- Charles Fain Lehman
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Cervantes' Bill Safeguarding Privacy and Placing Guardrails on Automated License Plate Recognition Clears Assembly Appropriations
About this source
Senator Cervantes' office quotes her position on ALPR safeguards and describes the proposed retention limit.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Del. Chris Anders Rejects Local Storage as Solution to Flock Camera Concerns
About this source
Mountaineer Journal quotes Anders directly on a ban and compares his position with Sen. Mike Oliverio's warrant proposal.
- Author
- George Lujak
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Both candidates for governor would sign Iowa regs for automated license plate readers
About this source
Radio Iowa quotes Rob Sand and Zach Lahn directly about Flock cameras and possible state rules.
- Author
- O. Kay Henderson
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
One on One with Ian Donnis: Brett Smiley and David Morales
About this source
In separate interviews, Providence mayor Brett Smiley and challenger David Morales give opposing answers about continued use of Flock license-plate readers.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Thomas County Democrats rally against Flock cameras
About this source
WCTV quotes Georgia House candidate Adam Chitwood at a Thomasville rally calling for removal of Flock cameras.
- Author
- Brianna Shaw
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Dennis Breen 2026 candidate questionnaire
About this source
Breen answers a question about North Carolina's license-plate reader data retention law, audits and access to search records.
- Accessed
Original text
Jim Harris 2026 candidate questionnaire
About this source
Harris answers a question about shortening license-plate reader data retention and limiting which agencies can access the records.
- Accessed
Original text
Rick Combes 2026 candidate questionnaire
About this source
Combes answers a question about North Carolina's retention period for automated license-plate reader data and sets out proposed access controls.
- Accessed
Original text
Jessica Bichler 2026 candidate questionnaire
About this source
Bichler answers a question about shortening North Carolina's retention period for automated license-plate reader data and adding limits on searches.
- Accessed
Interview
Tim Merrick 2026 candidate questionnaire
Relevant passage: Answer to question on Flock camera data retention
About this source
Merrick's written answer appears in a Port City Daily candidate questionnaire linked from the paper's September 23, 2026, election roundup.
- Accessed
Interview
Dane Scalise 2026 candidate questionnaire
Relevant passage: Answer to question on Flock camera data retention
About this source
Scalise's written answer appears in a Port City Daily candidate questionnaire linked from the paper's September 23, 2026, election roundup.
- Accessed
Interview
Pat Harrigan interview on Flock cameras and surveillance safeguards
Relevant passage: Interview section on Flock and Section 702-style safeguards
About this source
The Daily Caller News Foundation interviewed Representative Pat Harrigan about Flock-style license-plate readers, warrant rules and federal oversight.
- Author
- Anthony Iafrate
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Senators Schiff and Wyden press Flock on surveillance safeguards
Relevant passage: Joint letter paragraphs beginning We write seeking information and Flock claims to have the tools
About this source
In a joint letter, Schiff and Wyden criticize Flock's safeguards and seek information about misuse, access, and controls.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Senator Hawley explains his Flock surveillance investigation
Relevant passage: Paragraphs beginning All that said and I hope the company
About this source
Hawley supports police access to useful cameras while calling for statutory privacy rules on data collection, search, and retention.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Governor McKee orders a pause on new ALPR installations and data-privacy review
Relevant passage: Governor quotation and existing-camera paragraph
About this source
McKee calls for a pause on new ALPR installations while existing state police cameras continue operating during a 60-day review.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Mike Mazzei interview on Flock camera use
Relevant passage: Mazzei comments on warrants and law enforcement use
About this source
Original interview in which Mazzei favors Flock use only for proper law enforcement work with warrants.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Aaron Ford statement on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Opening paragraph of statement
About this source
Ford opposes Flock use until Nevada adopts privacy protections and promises to pursue guardrails.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Nevada governor candidates state Flock positions
Relevant passage: A Flock of bipartisan fury
About this source
The Nevada Independent reports statements from Ford and Lombardo on whether to use ALPRs and what safeguards they favor.
- Accessed
Interview
Georgia governor candidates discuss Flock safeguards
Relevant passage: Candidate comments by Jackson and Bottoms
About this source
Original interviews with Georgia gubernatorial candidates on Flock use and safeguards.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Maine governor candidates on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Candidate interviews
About this source
WGME interviews three Maine gubernatorial candidates about Flock cameras, including Bobby Charles on limited police use.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Eno Center live coverage of House transportation markup
Relevant passage: Update on Perry Amendment No. 221 and Mike Ezell
About this source
Firsthand markup coverage reports that Ezell opposed the tolling-only ALPR amendment and cited recovery of abducted minors.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Daily Caller report on congressional Flock bills
Relevant passage: Embedded July 22 Luna post
About this source
Report embeds Luna's July 22 post and distinguishes proposed bans from introduced bills.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Anna Paulina Luna statement on Flock ban legislation
About this source
Luna's public post says she is working on legislation to ban Flock cameras.
- Published
- Accessed
Archived source
Mirror of Rand Paul's Flock warrant statement
Relevant passage: Post text
About this source
Public mirror preserves the wording of Paul's post advocating warrant requirements.
- Accessed
Original post
Rand Paul statement on Flock and warrant requirements
About this source
Paul argues that a warrant requirement, not cancelling one vendor's contracts, would address ALPR surveillance.
- Accessed
Official statement
Justin Wagner campaign platform on Flock surveillance
Relevant passage: Privacy rights, Get The Flock Out of Here
About this source
Wagner's campaign platform calls for tighter limits, oversight and due process on warrantless surveillance and corporate movement tracking.
- Accessed
Original text
House Transportation Committee roll call on Amendment No. 221
Relevant passage: Vote 104, page 58
About this source
Official committee record lists each member's vote on Perry Amendment No. 221. The amendment failed 20 to 44.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Perry Amendment No. 221 to H.R. 8870
Relevant passage: Section on license plate readers
About this source
Proposed amendment would limit ALPR use by recipients of Title 23 assistance to tolling.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Seth Bodnar campaign on the Flock-Off Act
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning Bodnar has called on Congress
About this source
Bodnar's campaign says he supports the Flock-Off Act and would seek its passage in the Senate.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Durbin opening statement at Senate Flock camera hearing
Relevant passage: Key quotes on ALPR uses and privacy-security balance
About this source
Durbin describes past ALPR uses and calls for congressional guardrails that balance privacy and security.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act, H.R. 9800, introduced text
Relevant passage: Section 2 prohibition
About this source
Burchett's introduced bill would bar federal agencies from using ALPR systems and bar state and local governments from spending federal funds on them.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
NO FLOCK Act, H.R. 10366, introduced text
Relevant passage: Introducers and Section 2 permitted uses
About this source
Introduced bill names its sponsors and proposes a highway-funding penalty for states without limits on plate-reader use.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
PRIVACY Act, H.R. 9716, introduced text
Relevant passage: Introducers and Section 2 warrant requirement
About this source
Introduced bill names its sponsors and would require federal warrants for access to covered state or local surveillance data, including plate readers.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Flock-Off Act, H.R. 10221, introduced text
Relevant passage: Introducers and Section 2 federal funding prohibition
About this source
Introduced bill names its original sponsors and prohibits federal funds for covered camera systems, with stated exceptions.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Eric Jones campaign policy on Flock surveillance
Relevant passage: Why Congress must stop it; Where the line is
About this source
Jones calls for a moratorium on government use of Flock's national network, while allowing local plate readers with limits and warrants.
- Accessed
Interview
Marlin Stutzman says Flock cameras should be eliminated
Relevant passage: Stutzman interview, paragraphs beginning Personally, I think
About this source
Original interview in which Stutzman calls for eliminating government roadside Flock systems while accepting private-property cameras.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Illinois Sheriffs' Association website and 2026 vendor list
Relevant passage: 2026 preferred-vendor program, Platinum tier
About this source
The association identifies Flock Safety among its 2026 Platinum vendors.
- Accessed
Official statement
Illinois Sheriffs' Association response to Darren Bailey's Flock pledge
Relevant passage: Page 2, paragraph urging lawmakers to reject a blanket prohibition
About this source
The association argues against a statewide Flock ban and describes the cameras as useful for investigations.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Phillip Ensler discusses Flock regulation in Alabama lieutenant governor bid
Relevant passage: Data centers and Flock cameras section
About this source
Ensler tells 256 Today that license-plate readers help law enforcement and should be regulated rather than banned.
- Author
- Mecca Musick
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Plymouth council votes to stop using Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Mayor Jeffry Wosje comments near end of article
About this source
MPR reports Wosje's direct remarks opposing the end of Plymouth's Flock contract and citing public safety.
- Author
- Cait Kelley
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Mark Pinsley Q&A on Flock cameras and other campaign issues
Relevant passage: Question on Flock cameras and ALPR safeguards
About this source
Pinsley states his support for limited license-plate-reader use with short retention, controlled access, audits and penalties for misuse.
- Author
- Melinda Rizzo
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
West Virginia Senate District 13 candidates discuss Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Statements by Taylor Richmond and Mike Oliverio
About this source
WAJR reports direct comments by three West Virginia Senate candidates on whether Flock readers should operate and under what conditions.
- Author
- Mike Nolting
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
We asked candidates if San Francisco should keep Flock surveillance
Relevant passage: Candidate responses under support, opposition, and no position
About this source
The San Francisco Standard asked local candidates whether the city should renew its Flock contract and recorded their differing answers.
- Author
- Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Rep. Steube introduces FLAFO Act to rein in warrantless Flock surveillance
Relevant passage: Announcement and Steube quotation
About this source
Steube describes a judicial-warrant rule for federal access to networked ALPR systems.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Giannoulias supports Senate scrutiny of surveillance networks
Relevant passage: Quotes by Alexi Giannoulias
About this source
Giannoulias calls for data-sharing limits and accountability while retaining ALPRs as a law-enforcement tool.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Mayor Danny Avula: Full text of September 19 ALPR statement
Relevant passage: Full September 19 statement
About this source
Avula states his support for continued ALPR use with shorter retention and a review of Richmond's Flock contract.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Statement from AG Wilson on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Full September 16 statement
About this source
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson defends continued Flock use and calls for penalties for misuse.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Virginia officials want a Flock camera pause; Spanberger disagrees
Relevant passage: Governor Spanberger's remarks on an outright ban
About this source
Radio IQ reports Spanberger's case for improving safeguards before removing ALPR tools.
- Author
- Brad Kutner
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
GOP's Darren Bailey, police at odds over license plate reading technology
Relevant passage: Bailey's July 9 Facebook statement and sheriffs' response
About this source
25News quotes Bailey's campaign statement and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association's response defending ALPR use.
- Author
- Howard Packowitz
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Amy Acton discusses Flock cameras and a potential ban
Relevant passage: Acton interview on ALPR ban legislation
About this source
The Statehouse News Bureau interviewed Acton about proposed legislation to ban ALPR cameras in Ohio.
- Author
- Karen Kasler
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Dozens rally at Pasadena City Hall to demand removal of Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Jess Rivas remarks at August 19 rally
About this source
Pasadena Now reports Rivas's remarks opposing any license-plate reader system in Pasadena.
- Author
- Eddie Rivera
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Nevada Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch to introduce ALPR ban bill
Relevant passage: Statements by Selena La Rue Hatch and Athar Haseebullah
About this source
The ACLU of Nevada release quotes Hatch on a proposed state ban covering Flock and other ALPR networks.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Virginia lawmakers consider ban on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Interviews with Lashrecse Aird and Glen Sturtevant
About this source
WWBT interviewed both senators about proposals to ban Flock and similar networked readers in Virginia.
- Author
- Henry Graff
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memo: Banning Flock Camera Surveillance
Relevant passage: Memo, paragraphs 1-5
About this source
The four legislators jointly propose a Pennsylvania ALPR ban, with an exception for toll-collection cameras. The memo had not been introduced as legislation when posted.
- Author
- Malcolm Kenyatta, Jessica Benham, Brandon Dukes and Joe McAndrew
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
EFF's policy position on ALPR surveillance
Relevant passage: Opening policy position and The Case Against ALPRs
About this source
EFF states its institutional position against indiscriminate networked collection and retention of drivers' location data while calling for limits on systems already in use.
- Author
- Sarah Hamid, Adam Schwartz and Hayley Tsukayama
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
KTAR interviews Biggs and Hobbs on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Biggs Sept. 4 interview; Hobbs Aug. 27 interview
About this source
Original KTAR interviews report Biggs's call to pull the plug on Flock cameras and Hobbs's rejection of a statewide ban in favor of local decisions and guardrails.
- Author
- Kevin Stone
- Published
- Accessed
Archived source
Full republication of Florida Politics interview on Jolly and Donalds
About this source
Full republication of Florida Politics's original candidate interview, including Jolly's complete statement and Donalds's discussion of changing approach.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
USA Today Network reports Donalds's proposed penalties for Flock misuse
About this source
Syndicated USA Today Network reporting carries Donalds's direct statement about penalties and a surveillance state.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Crist calls for Flock camera moratorium, Welch defends use
About this source
Spectrum News original interviews with both St. Petersburg mayoral runoff candidates.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Byron Donalds calls for full pause on Flock adoption
About this source
Florida Politics reports Donalds's own public call for a full and immediate pause on new Flock adoption.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Ron DeSantis responds to Flock surveillance questions at press briefing
About this source
Video of DeSantis's remarks at an August 26 press briefing.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Florida Politics interviews Jolly and Donalds on Flock camera restrictions
About this source
Original Florida Politics interviews with both Florida gubernatorial candidates about Flock policy.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announces ALPR review
About this source
Original announcement and direct quotation from Mayes.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Hinojosa campaign ad criticizing Abbott's Flock camera rollout
About this source
Campaign release includes the full transcript of the ad.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flocking to a Fight: Lawrence Takes Aim at Surveillance Cameras
Relevant passage: Quotation from William Lawrence's public remarks
About this source
Quotation from William Lawrence's public remarks
- Author
- Katie Heid, Michigan News Source
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Milwaukee and Wisconsin governor candidates discuss Flock camera limits
Relevant passage: Crowley and Tiffany statements on policy limits
About this source
Crowley and Tiffany statements on policy limits
- Author
- Wisconsin Public Radio
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
How Flock cameras are becoming an issue in the midterm elections
Relevant passage: Original reporting on El-Sayed advertisement, Lawrence, Barrett, and Abbott
About this source
Original reporting on El-Sayed advertisement, Lawrence, Barrett, and Abbott
- Author
- ABC News
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Tiffany campaign statement on Wisconsin Flock policy
Relevant passage: Campaign release with direct statement and funding-pause proposal
About this source
Campaign release with direct statement and funding-pause proposal
- Author
- Tom Tiffany campaign
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Laughlin plans legislation to prohibit networked license-plate surveillance cameras
Relevant passage: Proposal would prohibit fixed networked ALPR systems while preserving patrol-mounted readers
About this source
Proposal would prohibit fixed networked ALPR systems while preserving patrol-mounted readers
- Author
- Office of Sen. Dan Laughlin
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Senators Britt and Warnock urge DOJ guidance on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Joint letter and Sen. Britt quotation
About this source
Joint letter and Sen. Britt quotation
- Author
- Office of Sen. Katie Britt
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
President Trump gaggle on Air Force One, September 13, 2026
Relevant passage: Flock camera question at approximately 7 minutes 29 seconds
About this source
Flock camera question at approximately 7 minutes 29 seconds
- Author
- The White House
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
James Talarico Bluesky statement on Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Post beginning Flock cameras have no place in Texas; corroborated by AP reporting
About this source
Post beginning Flock cameras have no place in Texas; corroborated by AP reporting
- Author
- James Talarico
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Block Flock debate reaches Florida gubernatorial race
Relevant passage: Original candidate interview with David Jolly and reporting on Byron Donalds and James Fishback
About this source
Original candidate interview with David Jolly and reporting on Byron Donalds and James Fishback
- Author
- WLRN
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Fight Creepy ALPR Cameras
Relevant passage: Campaign page and September 2026 Senate testimony reference
About this source
Campaign page and September 2026 Senate testimony reference
- Author
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Massie and Burlison introduce the Flock-Off Act
Relevant passage: Bill announcement, funding scope, exceptions, and sponsor quotations
About this source
Bill announcement, funding scope, exceptions, and sponsor quotations
- Author
- Office of Rep. Thomas Massie
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Flock camera backlash adds fuel to midterm anti-AI frenzy
Relevant passage: Candidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video description
About this source
Candidate statement from Chaz Molder and El-Sayed campaign video description
- Author
- Axios
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Angie Nixon for U.S. Senate priorities on privacy and surveillance
Relevant passage: Protect privacy and end surveillance section
About this source
Protect privacy and end surveillance section
- Author
- Angie Nixon campaign
- Accessed
Interview
Texas attorney general candidates discuss Flock cameras and privacy
Relevant passage: Candidate interviews with Nathan Johnson and Mayes Middleton
About this source
Candidate interviews with Nathan Johnson and Mayes Middleton
- Author
- Jack Fink, CBS News Texas
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock cameras
Relevant passage: Original candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated text
About this source
Original candidate interviews and quoted campaign statements; syndicated text
- Author
- John Cole, The Center Square
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
6th District Q&A: Ben Cline, Beth Macy
Excerpt
"Trump's war of distraction in Iran has sent gas prices soaring"
About this source
Candidate survey published by Virginia's public media stations (VPM, WAMU, WHRO, WMRA and Radio IQ).
- Author
- WMRA and VPM News
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
2nd District Q&A: Matt Baker, Jen Kiggans, Elaine Luria, Geral "Bishop" Staten
Excerpt
"ending the war in Iran to bring gas prices back down"
About this source
Candidate survey published by Virginia's public media stations (VPM, WAMU, WHRO, WMRA and Radio IQ).
- Author
- WHRO Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
9th District Q&A: Morgan Griffith, Joy Powers
Excerpt
"I believe the war in Iran is an unauthorized, unconstitutional war of choice that Congress never voted to approve. American service members should not be sent into another open-ended conflict in the Middle East without the consent of the people's representatives, especially while American families and farmers are being asked to absorb the economic costs."
About this source
Joy Powers' written responses to a questionnaire from Virginia's public media stations, published September 21, 2026. Rep. Morgan Griffith did not respond to the questionnaire.
- Author
- Radio IQ, via VPM
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
1st District Q&A: Shannon Taylor, Rob Wittman
Excerpt
"Taylor: "Rob Wittman has allowed us to stumble into a directionless war that is costing American lives, billions of dollars, and driving up costs ... We must end this war.""
About this source
VPM candidate questionnaire for Virginia's 1st Congressional District, published September 23, 2026. Wittman did not respond; VPM compiled his answers from public statements and his record.
- Author
- Lyndon German, VPM News
- Published
- Accessed