UPDATE: Blue Island officials are in a critical discussion regarding the future of their license plate cameras, with a decision due in just one month. This comes as two nearby suburbs, including Evanston, have recently deactivated their camera systems amid growing privacy concerns.
During a tense City Council meeting last night, Blue Island Police Chief Jason Slattery detailed the need for immediate action on the contract with Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based company that installed the city’s cameras. The current contract covers eight of the city’s 14 license plate cameras, which have been pivotal in tracking down suspects and recovering stolen vehicles. However, concerns are mounting over how the data collected is managed and shared.
Alderman Bill Fahrenwald voiced serious apprehensions, citing Evanston’s controversial decision to terminate its contract after a state audit revealed Flock was sharing Illinois data with federal agencies. “They’re tremendous tools and we want them, but I also want to make sure we’ve locked it up as tightly as we possibly can,” Fahrenwald insisted, demanding clarity on the data-sharing protocols before any renewal is signed.
Slattery reassured the council that organizations can access camera data only if they comply with strict Illinois policies prohibiting sharing footage with federal or out-of-state agencies. He emphasized that access has recently been revoked from entities outside Illinois, limiting data sharing to local municipalities only. However, Fahrenwald remains concerned that another municipality could potentially share data received from Blue Island.
The urgency surrounding this issue is heightened by the recent termination of Flock contracts in other suburbs, including Oak Park on August 5. City Administrator Thomas Wogan reported increasing complaints about potential misuse of the cameras. He underscored that the cameras should strictly function as license plate readers, with limitations on the types of data collected.
In a previous meeting, Alderman Joshua Roll highlighted the need for clear guidelines on data collection and usage, emphasizing the risks associated with advancements in technology that could allow for tracking individuals. He argued that outside law enforcement agencies should not have access to Blue Island’s data.
Despite the concerns raised, some council members, including Alderman Dexter Johnson, defended the cameras, citing their success in recovering six stolen vehicles in the area. Johnson pointed out the technology has proven beneficial in neighboring communities like Robbins and Posen.
As the council deliberates, the next steps involve solidifying data-sharing agreements and establishing clearer usage restrictions to address privacy concerns. The decision on whether to renew the contract with Flock is set to unfold over the coming weeks, making this a pivotal moment for Blue Island’s public safety strategy.
Residents and local officials alike will be watching closely as this situation develops. The future of the city’s surveillance capabilities hangs in the balance, with implications for both crime prevention and privacy rights at stake.