Joe Leko
Role at the time: Dakota County sheriff running for reelection
Statement summary
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.”
West St. Paul Reader questionnaire in which both Dakota County sheriff candidates answered the same written questions, including one on Flock cameras.
Why we used 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.