Public disputes over automated license-plate readers, searchable vehicle-location records, and the use or prohibition of networked camera systems.
Published coverage on this page: 4+ cases · 24+ statements. Statements are ordered newest first.
Akron's police oversight board delayed a recommendation to pause Flock use during an audit. Boswell and Boyd backed a pause over safeguards and trust; Crabbs cited investigative value and services already paid for.
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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.
Quotation excerpt
“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…”
“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 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
What this label refers to
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.
Role at the time: Akron chief of public safety
Statement summary
Morgan defends Flock's speed and investigative value.
“There’s just no real-time asset like that”
What this label refers to
The reference is continued Flock use. Morgan defends its investigative value.
Role at the time: Citizen Oversight Board member
Statement summary
Anuszkiewicz seeks locally relevant evidence before requesting suspension.
“those issues may not have anything to do with how we conduct business here in Akron”
What this label refers to
Continued use pending local evidence makes this position conditional.
Role at the time: Independent candidate for governor of Tennessee, in an email to Dispute Index
Statement summary
Dean Brewer, an independent candidate for governor of Tennessee, said in an email to Dispute Index that he believes Flock cameras should be banned.
“I believe flock cameras should be banned.”
I believe flock cameras should be banned.
What this label refers to
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Brewer says Flock cameras should be banned, which rejects the systems outright. That fits Condemns, on the Ban or remove step. His reply is one sentence and names no exception.
Role at the time: U.S. representative for Georgia's 1st district, in an emailed statement from his office
Statement summary
Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia said in a statement sent by his office that license plate recognition cameras such as Flock's "can provide valuable investigative tools" but have "raised important questions about privacy and government oversight." He said that as the systems spread, it is important to balance public safety with "appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy."
Quotation excerpt
“Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to…”
“Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to balance public safety with appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy.”
Flock Safety cameras are license plate recognition cameras used by state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in criminal investigations. Unlike traditional traffic cameras, these systems capture license plate information, along with a vehicle's make, model, color, and the time and location where it was observed. Many communities use this technology to help locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and investigate serious crimes. In Georgia's First Congressional District, law enforcement agencies work hard every day to keep our communities safe. Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to balance public safety with appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy.
What this label refers to
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Carter calls the cameras valuable investigative tools and does not call for ending or restricting them, but says their spread has raised questions about privacy and oversight and that public safety should be balanced with safeguards that protect privacy. Backing continued use with general safeguards fits Mixed or conditional.
Role at the time: Constitution Party candidate for governor of Idaho, in an email to Dispute Index
Statement summary
Pro-Life, a candidate for governor of Idaho, said in an email to Dispute Index that he is "for the banning of Flock cameras" and is asking the Idaho Legislature to ban them by law.
“As a Governor candidate in Idaho 2026, I am for the banning of Flock cameras. I am asking the Idaho legislature to ban them by law.”
As a Governor candidate in Idaho 2026, I am for the banning of Flock cameras. I am asking the Idaho legislature to ban them by law.
What this label refers to
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Pro-Life says he supports banning Flock cameras and is asking the Legislature to ban them by law, which rejects the systems outright. That fits Condemns, on the Ban or remove step.
Role at the time: Akron City Council member
Statement summary
Wilson criticizes Akron's interim restriction as inadequate because she says the city's contract still permits broad sharing of data.
“we have egregious data-sharing practices established hard and firm in our contract”
What this label refers to
The reference is continued Flock use during the audit. Wilson criticizes the access restriction as insufficient to address the contract's data-sharing terms.
Role at the time: ACLU of Nevada executive director
Statement summary
Haseebullah objects to spending on ALPRs and drones and questions the city's ability to oversee a private surveillance supplier.
“Reno should not be misspending tax dollars for surveillance expansion programs, including the acquisition of ALPRs and drones.”
What this label refers to
The reference point is networked license-plate surveillance. Haseebullah explicitly opposes expanding the system.
Role at the time: Nevada assemblymember
Statement summary
La Rue Hatch says switching surveillance vendors fails to address constituents' objections to government tracking.
“Announcing the end of Flock just to switch to another intrusive tech surveillance company is an insult to our community”
What this label refers to
The reference point is networked license-plate surveillance. La Rue Hatch condemns retaining that surveillance through a different vendor.
Role at the time: Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney, debating on Open to Debate
Statement summary
Fatehi calls for sensible national regulation while rejecting rules that would eliminate the system or require an interim ban.
“we need sensible regulation, we need national sensible regulation, but not regulation that either regulates the system out of existence or that requires a ban in the meantime.”
What this label refers to
The matter under scrutiny is use of Flock's camera network. Fatehi defends continued use with regulation and explicitly rejects an interim ban.
Role at the time: Musician and independent security researcher, debating on Open to Debate
Statement summary
Jordan argues that the security risks he has investigated justify stopping current camera use until the systems can be deployed securely.
“And to me, just from the stuff that I’ve, I’ve shown on my channel, this is a solid risk-based argument in itself to unplug the cameras until we could figure out how to deploy them securely.”
What this label refers to
Jordan supports unplugging the cameras for now and conditions future deployment on being able to deploy them securely.
Role at the time: Independent write-in candidate for governor of Wisconsin, in an interview with Dispute Index
Statement summary
King said Flock-style cameras violate people's rights and that he does not like them, but would accept a search for a specific vehicle, as in an Amber Alert. As governor, he said, he would pause them until the public has clarity on their purpose.
Quotation excerpt
“I don't like them because of the fact that it is violating our rights. ... I don't like them at all. ... I support the police. ... if they had a particular vehicle they're looking at ... then yes. ... But if you're just using it to…”
“I don't like them because of the fact that it is violating our rights. ... I don't like them at all. ... I support the police. ... if they had a particular vehicle they're looking at ... then yes. ... But if you're just using it to everybody and there's no real threat, then that's the problem. ... Yeah, I think we would have to so that we can get clarity.”
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, King says the cameras violate people's rights and objects to using them on drivers who pose no threat, but accepts searches for a specific vehicle and says he supports police, so we labeled it Mixed or conditional. On the remedy ladder this is Pause: asked whether he would put a moratorium on the cameras while gathering facts, he said he would.
Role at the time: ACLU-SDIC policy director
Statement summary
Gupta asks the committee to support ending the camera program, terminating Flock contracts and deleting ALPR data.
“I urge the committee to support this resolution and take all necessary steps to turn off the cameras, end the Flock contracts and ensure all ALPR data is deleted.”
What this label refers to
The reference point is networked license-plate surveillance. Gupta explicitly calls for ending the program and deleting its data.
Role at the time: Mayor of San Diego
Statement summary
Gloria defends San Diego's use of license-plate readers, citing their role in investigations and the city's oversight rules. He separately acknowledges concerns about Flock as a vendor.
“Taking this proven tool away from our officers would be a serious mistake and a step backward for public safety”
What this label refers to
The reference point is retaining networked license-plate surveillance. Gloria expressly defends the technology and criticizes removing it.
Role at the time: Member, Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board
Statement summary
Crabbs argues that a pause would remove an investigative tool and waste services already paid for. He also raises concerns about other police agencies acting for ICE.
“if we take that ... away ... it takes another tool out of the Akron police hands.”
What this label refers to
The reference is continued Flock use while the audit proceeds. Crabbs argues for retaining access because of investigative value and the paid contract, while recognizing the risk of immigration-related access.
Role at the time: Chair, Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board, and candidate for mayor
Statement summary
Boyd questions continuing Flock use while residents' concerns are unresolved and later backs a pause to establish safeguards and rebuild trust.
“how can we move forward if we have all the complaints and it's not working well”
What this label refers to
The reference point is continued Flock use while the audit proceeds, not Flock in general. Boyd says he is not necessarily against Flock, but asks how the city can move forward while complaints are unresolved and parameters are missing, and he backs a pause. Rejecting continued use under present conditions fits Condemns; his openness to future use concerns Flock in general, not the matter under scrutiny.
Role at the time: Member, Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board
Statement summary
Boswell questions continued use without an accountability plan and supports suspension until the board and community have the answers they need.
“how can we continue using a system when when we don't have we don't have that plan, and it's not in effect yet?”
What this label refers to
The reference is continued Flock use during the audit. Boswell criticizes current oversight and seeks suspension on that basis.
Role at the time: Defendant, through its lawyers' motion to dismiss
Response to this claim
Motive violated the drivers' privacy by collecting and aggregating their vehicle-tracking data without required disclosures.
“Plaintiffs have no privacy interest in their publicly displayed license plates or in their movements on public roads”
Motive argues that the alleged collection does not invade a protected privacy interest, which defends the conduct at issue, while it separately contests that the plaintiffs were affected.
Role at the time: Libertarian Party of Iowa candidate for governor, in an emailed statement
Statement summary
In an emailed statement, Gluba said Flock, Axon and other license plate reader cameras violate community privacy and the Fourth Amendment and should be removed by law immediately. The statement says police and private citizens have abused the systems and cites reports of people using them to track former partners and children.
Quotation excerpt
“They are a complete violation of community privacy and safety, they are in direct violation of the fourth amendment to the US constitution and should by law be removed immediately. They have been abused throughout the country by various…”
“They are a complete violation of community privacy and safety, they are in direct violation of the fourth amendment to the US constitution and should by law be removed immediately. They have been abused throughout the country by various LEOs and citizens alike as they have little to no security in their software. Every other day we see a new article about someone using a LPR camera system to spy on and track an ex girlfriend or boyfriend, or we see that someone has again used them to track children. They must be removed!”
The public comment and stance for Nicholas Gluba on FLOCK cameras, or AXON, any of the LPRs is, "They are a complete violation of community privacy and safety, they are in direct violation of the fourth amendment to the US constitution and should by law be removed immediately. They have been abused throughout the country by various LEOs and citizens alike as they have little to no security in their software. Every other day we see a new article about someone using a LPR camera system to spy on and track an ex girlfriend or boyfriend, or we see that someone has again used them to track children. They must be removed!"
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, Gluba calls license plate cameras a violation of community privacy and the Fourth Amendment and says they should be removed by law immediately, so we labeled it Condemned. On the remedy ladder this is Ban or remove, the strongest step the statement names.
Role at the time: Maryland Green Party candidate for governor, in an emailed statement
Statement summary
In an emailed statement, Ellis opposed Flock-style cameras and said their use would be prohibited in Maryland, along with any state or public agency contract for them.
“I oppose the the use of flock style cameras and would prohibit their use in Maryland. I would also prohibit any state or public agency from contracting with these surveilance tools.”
Good afternoon, I oppose the the use of flock style cameras and would prohibit their use in Maryland. I would also prohibit any state or public agency from contracting with these surveilance tools. Andy Ellis
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, Ellis opposes Flock-style cameras and would prohibit their use and bar public agencies from contracting for them, so we labeled it Condemned. On the remedy ladder this is Ban or remove, the strongest step the statement names.
Role at the time: Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate for governor of Nebraska, in an emailed statement
Statement summary
In an emailed statement, Beard said he would rather the state spend money fixing potholes than on cameras that watch drivers, and that Flock cameras need to be voter approved or taken down.
“I would rather have the state spend money on fixing the damn potholes instead of spending money to watch us drive over them. Flock cameras need to be voter approved or taken down.”
Sorry for my late reply..... I would rather have the state spend money on fixing the damn potholes instead of spending money to watch us drive over them. Flock cameras need to be voter approved or taken down. Thanks, Rick Beard R
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, Beard objects to the state spending money on cameras that watch drivers and says Flock cameras need to be voter approved or taken down, so we labeled it Condemned. On the remedy ladder this is Guardrails, the milder of the two remedies he names, because voter approval would let communities keep the cameras.
Role at the time: U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan candidate for governor, in an emailed statement
Statement summary
Brandenburg opposes Flock and similar third-party license-plate camera networks in Michigan, calling warrantless tracking of drivers an unreasonable search under the U.S. and Michigan constitutions. As governor, Brandenburg would end state participation in the networks, require a probable-cause warrant before data is collected or accessed, and order existing data on innocent drivers destroyed.
Quotation excerpt
“I, Donna Brandenburg, oppose Flock and all 3rd party - Flock-style license plate camera networks in Michigan. Tracking the movements of law-abiding citizens without a warrant is an unreasonable search under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S.…”
“I, Donna Brandenburg, oppose Flock and all 3rd party - Flock-style license plate camera networks in Michigan. Tracking the movements of law-abiding citizens without a warrant is an unreasonable search under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 11 of the Michigan Constitution, which expressly protects 'electronic data and electronic communications.' As governor, I would end state participation in these surveillance networks, require a warrant based on probable cause before any data is collected or accessed, and order existing data on innocent drivers destroyed.”
I, Donna Brandenburg, oppose Flock and all 3rd party - Flock-style license plate camera networks in Michigan. Tracking the movements of law-abiding citizens without a warrant is an unreasonable search under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 11 of the Michigan Constitution, which expressly protects 'electronic data and electronic communications.' As governor, I would end state participation in these surveillance networks, require a warrant based on probable cause before any data is collected or accessed, and order existing data on innocent drivers destroyed.
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, Brandenburg expressly opposes Flock and similar third-party networks in Michigan and calls warrantless tracking an unreasonable search, so we labeled it Condemned. The warrant requirement comes alongside ending state participation and does not soften that opposition. On the remedy ladder this is Ban or remove, the strongest step the statement names.
Role at the time: 2026 independent candidate for governor of Rhode Island
Statement summary
Ocean State Media quoted Block saying Rhode Island should regulate Flock cameras heavily, as other states have, while repeating that he hates the cameras and wishes the state did not have them.
“We should regulate them pretty heavily, and other states have”
What this label refers to
Relative to whether networked license-plate surveillance should exist, Block dislikes the cameras but calls for regulating them heavily rather than removing them, so we labeled it Mixed or conditional. On the remedy ladder this is Guardrails, keep using. It changes the position in his September 30 answer, which named no remedy.
Role at the time: NYU Policing Project director of technology law and policy
Statement summary
Isaacs calls Minnesota's warrant requirement a promising model and says strong regulation is possible.
“I think you can look at a jurisdiction like Minnesota as a really promising model and proof that strong regulation is possible.”
What this label refers to
Isaacs endorses requiring probable cause and a warrant before license-plate tracking. This is a conditional position on how the surveillance may operate.
Jacob Burnett is an Idaho political candidate from Middleton who is self-employed. He is an independent write-in candidate for governor in the 2026 election.
1 case and 2 statements
Craig Morgan is Akron's chief of public safety. A lawyer and former chief city prosecutor, he manages police, fire and emergency-management functions. He has worked for Akron's law department since beginning as a law clerk and has taught at the police academy.
1 case and 1 statement
Donzella Anuszkiewicz is an Ohio social worker and author. She is vice chair of Akron's Citizens' Police Oversight Board, which reviews police practices and works with the independent police auditor.
1 case and 1 statement
Dean Brewer is an independent politician in Tennessee and a candidate for governor.
1 case and 1 statement
United States Representative (Republican) from Georgia's 1st district.
1 case and 1 statement
Pro-Life, formerly Marvin Richardson, is an Idaho farmer and Constitution Party politician. He has run for governor, lieutenant governor and the U.S. House. He is the party's candidate for Idaho governor in 2026.
1 case and 1 statement
Fran Wilson is a community organizer and Akron City Council representative for Ward 1 in Ohio. They previously served on the Akron Civil Rights Commission and the West Hill Neighborhood Organization board.
1 case and 1 statement
Athar Haseebullah is an attorney and executive director of the ACLU of Nevada. A graduate of Howard University and its law school, he has worked in legal aid, public administration and civil-rights advocacy.
1 case and 1 statement
Benn Jordan is an American musician and video essayist. He releases music as the Flashbulb and publishes commentary on audio engineering, technology and privacy.
1 case and 1 statement
Ramin Fatehi is the commonwealth's attorney for Norfolk, Virginia. He previously worked as a public defender and federal prosecutor. He took office in 2022. He earned a bachelor's degree in history at Yale University and a law degree at Columbia University, then clerked for Virginia Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth B. Lacy. His earlier legal work included positions in Richmond, Chesapeake and Charlottesville. Before his election, he supervised Norfolk prosecutors handling drug offenses, impaired driving and fatal vehicle crashes.
1 case and 2 statements
Selena La Rue Hatch is a Democratic Nevada assemblymember representing District 25. A teacher, she was first elected to the Assembly in 2022. She earned a bachelor's degree in history at Boston University and a master's degree in secondary social-studies education at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her legislative work has included service as vice chair of Natural Resources and membership on the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education.
1 case and 2 statements
David D. King is a Milwaukee pastor and community organizer who co-pastors Kingdom Resurrection Power Ministries. He founded Wisconsin God Squad in 2007 to help people facing homelessness, addiction or incarceration find employment and stable housing. He also founded the Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in 2021 to support small businesses and ministries through networking and mentorship. King directed the Mountain of the Lord House transitional living program from 1997 to 1999. He is an independent write-in candidate for Wisconsin governor in 2026.
1 case and 1 statement
