Charles Fain Lehman argues for regulated Flock use
Charles Fain LehmanManhattan Institute fellow and Atlantic contributor
Lehman argued that networked license-plate readers can help police investigate crime and should remain available with privacy regulation, rather than be banned.
“Privacy concerns can be best addressed through smart regulation, not bans.”
Analysis
Where this statement fits
Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Networked automated license-plate readers record passing vehicles and let agencies search or share travel records across locations. Candidates and officials disagree over whether to prohibit these networks, keep them with legal limits, or defend their use for investigations. This tracker records attributable positions on that choice, including proposals that would affect only public funding or data access.
Source and context
Analysis
About this source
Lehman argues against banning networked license-plate readers while acknowledging privacy concerns.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
In an Atlantic essay responding to growing calls to ban Flock, Lehman argued that ALPRs could be useful for police.
After the quotation
He acknowledged privacy and misuse concerns but argued for regulation instead of removing the cameras.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Lehman directly defends keeping ALPR networks in use and calls bans an overreaction.
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“Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to balance public safety with appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Charles Fain Lehman argues for regulated Flock use". First published: 2026-09-29. Last updated: 2026-09-29. https://disputeindex.com/events/3051-lehman-argued-that-networked-license-plate-readers-can