Jennifer McClellan wants public review before Flock-type systems
U.S. representative (D) for Virginia's 4th District, running for reelection
“As a policy maker, I strive to keep communities safe without violating the civil rights and liberties protected by the U.S. Constitution. While technology can be a useful tool in legitimate law enforcement investigations, including counterterrorism and human trafficking, technologies like Flock collect significant amounts of information and should be carefully reviewed, with significant public input, before implementation. Any use of these types of technologies must adhere to our constitutional principles and protections, including the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.”
Source and context
Interview
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.
Before the quotation
Virginia public media stations asked congressional candidates for their stance on Flock and other automatic license plate readers in their districts. The answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.
After the quotation
She added that as a state legislator she supported legislation on retaining surveillance video, and that Virginia law now requires license plate reader data to be destroyed after 21 days, with exceptions.
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 reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. McClellan calls the technology a useful investigative tool but says systems like Flock should be carefully reviewed with significant public input before implementation and must respect the Fourth Amendment. That is acceptance subject to review and constitutional limits, which fits Mixed or conditional.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- 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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