U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville weighed in on the growing Flock camera debate this week, saying the technology can provide public safety benefits as long as its use is properly controlled.

Tuberville, the Republican nominee for governor, was asked about the automated license plate readers during a media availability in Huntsville, according to ALdotcom.

“If you can control the Flock cameras, my thoughts would be they’re very beneficial,” Tuberville said. “But if you’re not going to use them the right way … I don’t think it’s worth it.”

Tuberville said the cameras can be useful for security purposes but expressed reservations about allowing the technology to become a broader enforcement tool.

“If it’s speeding tickets or something, I’m not a big proponent of that,” he said, according to ALdotcom.

Flock Safety cameras automatically capture license plates and other identifying characteristics of passing vehicles. The system allows participating law enforcement agencies to search that information when investigating crimes or looking for particular vehicles.

The debate over Flock cameras has grown in Alabama and across the country as elected officials consider new limits on how automated license plate reader technology is used.

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell has called for the cameras to be removed entirely, arguing that their widespread use poses an unacceptable threat to individual privacy.

State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said this week that Alabama lawmakers should revisit the issue during the 2027 legislative session. Orr, who previously sponsored legislation addressing license plate readers, called for additional “restrictions and guardrails” if the state continues allowing the cameras to operate.

Tuberville’s comments mark his public entry into the debate as Alabama lawmakers prepare to revisit the issue next year.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].