Politics
Both Wisconsin governor candidates want limits on Flock cameras
Wisconsin governor candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany both propose new regulations for Flock surveillance cameras amid rising privacy concerns.
By Benjamin Yount · 2026-09-02T16:06:50.305Z
The Center Square – Flock cameras are the latest issue in Wisconsin’s race for governor, and the latest issue where the two candidates seem to agree.
Democrat candidate and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on Tuesday signed an executive order that changes how Flock cameras will be used in Milwaukee County.
"Public safety partners should have the right tools to keep Milwaukee County safe, but unchecked surveillance isn't the answer," Crowley said in a statement. "We have seen what can happen when this technology operates without clear rules, transparency, and accountability. Protecting our residents' privacy and maintaining the public's trust is a responsibility I take seriously."
His order would limit how Milwaukee County's sheriff uses Flock cameras. Specifically, Crowley is ordering a limit on how long the county will store Flock data and restrictions on who can access or share the information collected by the cameras.
Crowley is also encouraging other local governments in Milwaukee County to adopt their own limits on Flock cameras.
"This is just the beginning of what needs to happen. As governor, I will work hand in hand with law enforcement, our state legislature, and local municipalities to implement strict transparency and accountability laws that ensure Wisconsinites are not spied on," Crowley added.
Republican candidate Tom Tiffany on Tuesday also said he wants to see limits and regulations for Flock cameras in Wisconsin.
"As governor, I will make this a day one priority by pausing state funding for Flock and bringing together a task force to establish stronger privacy protections, penalties for misuse, limits on data retention and sharing, and safeguards against Communist China and foreign adversaries."
Tiffany did, however, slam Crowley's past use or support of cameras to keep an eye on people in Milwaukee County.
"David Crowley has repeatedly sought more red light cameras, speed cameras, and massive funding increases for automated license plate readers. His answer has always been to give government more power to watch you," Tiffany added in his statement. "Traditional security cameras can help law enforcement solve serious crimes, but public safety cannot become a blank check for warrantless AI government surveillance."
This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article 9d171304 21ba 445d 8984 fd121737adca.html .