Full Breakdown
Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul urges regulation of Flock cameras and other reforms
9/9/2026, 4:50:57 PM
Core Event: Call for Guardrails on Flock Cameras
Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat seeking a third term, said the state should impose strict guidelines on the use of Flock Safety’s traffic-monitoring cameras. Kaul noted that at least a dozen Wisconsin law-enforcement agencies—including the Racine County Sheriff’s Office and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office—have suspended the cameras after learning the company repackaged five years of stripped-identifying traffic data for sale to municipalities. He argued that the technology is valuable for locating missing children or apprehending homicide suspects, but should not be used when there is no public-safety risk.
Related Policy Issues: Abortion, Mail-in Voting, and Body-camera Funding
Kaul also used the forum to press for broader reforms. He said current abortion regulations—specifically a 24-hour waiting period and a 20-week limit—“unnecessarily inhibit access to abortion” and should be removed from state law, with the right to abortion enshrined in the Wisconsin Constitution. Regarding the federal push to tighten mail-in ballot rules, Kaul called former President Donald Trump’s actions “frankly absurd” and expressed confidence that Wisconsin voters will be able to cast absentee ballots without disruption. He cited the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s figure of roughly 49,600 absentee ballots already mailed or ready to be mailed. On police body cameras, Kaul affirmed that agencies should be required to equip officers with cameras in tactical situations, but warned that “adequate funding” from the Legislature is essential to avoid cuts elsewhere.
Official Statements & Responses
Kaul encouraged Wisconsinites who oppose the cameras to voice their views “peacefully.” He also emphasized that decisions about electronic tablets in jails should remain with local agencies, while noting the need for safeguards after a bail hearing revealed a defendant using a county-provided tablet to intimidate witnesses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm confident this won't happen, but if it does happen, there will need to be substantial communication about what people can expect,” — General Josh Kaul, hide caption attorney
What’s Next
Kaul hopes the Legislature will address the Flock-camera issue when lawmakers reconvene in January. He indicated he will not oppose a body-camera mandate if the state provides sufficient funding, and he plans to continue advocating for abortion-law reforms and protection of mail-in voting procedures throughout the upcoming election cycle.
