Jessica Heger
Role at the time: Candidate for Carver County, Minnesota, sheriff
Statement summary
Jessica Heger said she would not pursue automated license plate readers at this time but remains open to them as privacy protections and accountability improve. She said any future use would need community input, a shown public safety benefit and defined data policies.
“At this time, I would not pursue automated license plate readers. Public safety benefits must be weighed against the cost, privacy concerns, data retention, and appropriate oversight. I am not opposed to technology, and remain open to considering it as technology evolves and privacy protections and accountability improve. Any future consideration will include community input and show a public safety benefit, defined policies for data access and retention, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and appropriate oversight. Public safety and public trust are equally important.”
Sun Patriot candidate questionnaire for the 2026 Carver County, Minnesota, sheriff race, publishing both candidates' unedited written answers.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Why we used this label
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Heger said she would not pursue license plate readers at this time but remains open to them as privacy protections and accountability improve, and she listed conditions for any future use. That is present opposition tied to conditions, which fits Mixed or conditional rather than Condemned.