Jacob Burnett
Role at the time: Independent write-in candidate for governor of Idaho, in an emailed statement
Statement summary
Jacob Burnett, an independent write-in candidate for governor of Idaho, told Dispute Index by email that license plate camera systems such as Flock's should be done away with, especially for predictive crime analytics. If the systems are used, he said, access should require a warrant and data should be stored on the cameras rather than viewable remotely.
“The systems themselves can be modified to prevent nearly all abuse and be made more secure by requiring warrants for access or follow through on any data the systems collect and have all data stored on the hardware itself preventing viewing from remote locations, requiring strict login credentials and a connecting warrant number to access. These are common sense changes that if the systems are to be used I feel could correct a lot of abuse or privacy concerns but I also feel the systems should be done away with overall, especially in the realm of predictive crime analytics.”
Read the full email
I apologize for the delay in my response. I have a lot of issues with flock and public surveillance in general, I have made a statement about this previously on my campaigns Facebook page linked here; https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FfSFY2kvS/ I'll expand further by saying the warrantless spying of citizens is something that is highly problematic to put it lightly and something I feel to be unconstitutional at the least. The technology is something that has far to many ways it can and has been exploited and abused as well as instances of extreme error in the data it gives. It's a tool that goes against the freedom and independence this country stands for and is an insult to our forefathers. The fact that these systems are being implemented with little to no public discussion or vote is another abuse of power by the representatives in charge of these decisions. The systems themselves can be modified to prevent nearly all abuse and be made more secure by requiring warrants for access or follow through on any data the systems collect and have all data stored on the hardware itself preventing viewing from remote locations, requiring strict login credentials and a connecting warrant number to access. These are common sense changes that if the systems are to be used I feel could correct a lot of abuse or privacy concerns but I also feel the systems should be done away with overall, especially in the realm of predictive crime analytics. I feel real human engagement and interaction between the police and the communities they serve builds bonds and trust that yield much stronger results in crime reduction, case resolution, and overall public safety. If you'd like further comment feel free to reach out Ive been rather busy lately and so I do apologize again for the delayed response but thank you so much for taking the time to reach out and let me voice my stance on this issue. -Jacob Burnett
Why we used this label
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Burnett says the systems should be done away with overall and calls warrantless surveillance unconstitutional, so we labeled it Condemned. He offers warrant and storage requirements only as changes if the systems are to be used, which does not soften that opposition. On the remedy ladder this is Ban or remove, the strongest step he firmly backs.