Joel Brennan would pause surveillance camera networks until guardrails exist
Former Wisconsin secretary of administration (D) running for governor in the 2026 Democratic primary
“I don't think Wisconsin communities should be building out mass surveillance networks without the knowledge or consent of the people who live there, We've seen police chiefs install these cameras without telling a single elected official. We've seen officers abuse access to track people they knew personally. And there are real concerns about this data ending up in the hands of ICE. Until we have guardrails in place that guarantee transparency and accountability and make clear how this technology gets used, who controls it, and what happens when it gets abused, I'd put the brakes on it.”
Source and context
Reporting
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.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The Milwaukee Courier asked each Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor for their position on police use of surveillance cameras.
After the quotation
In the same statement Brennan cited police chiefs installing cameras without telling elected officials, officers tracking people they knew and concerns about the data reaching ICE.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate camera systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Brennan objects to building these networks without residents' knowledge or consent and says he would put the brakes on them until guardrails are in place, which makes his opposition depend on safeguards rather than calling for a permanent end.
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- People and groups discussed
- Flock Safety
Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
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