Leko ties any future license-plate readers to safeguards and public support
Joe LekoDakota County sheriff running for reelection
Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko said he supports responsible use of license-plate reader technology only with proper controls and public support, and said his office ended its pilot program on Sept. 3, 2026.
“I support the responsible use of this technology when proper controls, accountability, demonstrated value and public support are in place. However, technology must also maintain public trust and provide sufficient value. As concerns grew regarding data privacy and the broader sharing of license plate reader information, I listened. We also evaluated the return from cameras located in our rural patrol area. Considering both public concerns and the limited return in those locations, we ended our ALPR pilot program on September 3, 2026.”
Interview
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
Interview
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.
Before the quotation
The West St. Paul Reader asked both sheriff candidates whether they support the continued use of Flock cameras in Dakota County. Leko wrote that his office placed eight license-plate reader cameras in its rural patrol area in a pilot beginning in spring 2025.
After the quotation
Leko wrote that he will continue evaluating technology and, before reconsidering license-plate readers, will involve the public and ensure safeguards, community support and public trust are in place.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate readers such as Flock should exist and be used. Leko says he supports responsible use when controls, accountability, demonstrated value and public support are in place, while explaining that his office ended its pilot and would involve the public before reconsidering. Support tied to those conditions is Mixed or conditional.
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- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Flock Safety
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- Leko ties any future license-plate readers to safeguards and public support
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The Dispute Index. "Leko ties any future license-plate readers to safeguards and public support". First published: 2026-09-29. Last updated: 2026-09-29. https://disputeindex.com/events/3187-dakota-county-sheriff-joe-leko-said-he-supports