Jacob Burnett on License-Plate Surveillance

Public disputes over automated license-plate readers, searchable vehicle-location records, and the use or prohibition of networked camera systems.

How we classify topics

Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.

Statement history

2 statements on this page. Dates: May 12, 2026 to October 30, 2026

2 matching statements. Dates: May 12, 2026 to October 30, 2026

2 published statements. Dates: May 12, 2026 to October 30, 2026

Condemned

2 published statements. Dates: May 12, 2026 to October 30, 2026

2 statements on this page. Dates: May 12, 2026 to October 30, 2026

Jacob Burnett

Role at the time: Independent write-in candidate for governor of Idaho, in an emailed statement

October 30, 2026Condemned

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

Emailed statement from Jacob Burnett to Dispute Index on license plate cameras · Jacob BurnettEmailed statement from Jacob Burnett, October 30, 2026 (UTC).

Jacob Burnett, an independent write-in candidate for governor of Idaho, sent this reply by email to a Dispute Index follow-up of October 26, 2026, which asked whether he supports, opposes or wants changes to Flock-style license plate camera networks. He replied from the address Dispute Index had written to and signed the email with his name. The reply points to an earlier post on his campaign Facebook page, which is the link here; the reply itself is not published there. The text is reproduced as sent, without the greeting and the email app's signature line.