UPDATE: Blue Island officials are in a critical discussion over the future of the city’s license plate cameras, as privacy concerns escalate. During a meeting late last night, City Council members debated whether to reauthorize a contract for eight of the city’s fourteen cameras, originally installed in 2021.
With just 30 days to decide, Police Chief Jason Slattery emphasized the urgency of the matter. The city currently relies on these cameras to monitor footage, solve crimes, and receive alerts on vehicles linked to criminal activity. However, the recent move by nearby municipalities, including Evanston and Oak Park, to deactivate their cameras due to privacy concerns has heightened scrutiny.
Alderman Bill Fahrenwald voiced significant concerns regarding the potential misuse of data collected by the cameras. He pointed to a recent state audit revealing that Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based company behind the cameras, had shared information with federal agencies. Fahrenwald, who supports the cameras for their crime-fighting capabilities, insisted on obtaining clarity regarding data-sharing practices before any contract renewal.
“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 stated. He requested Chief Slattery provide a written assurance detailing where and how the data is shared.
In response, Slattery assured the council that camera data is only accessible to organizations that sign a contract agreeing to adhere to Illinois laws prohibiting sharing footage with federal or out-of-state agencies. He mentioned that access has recently been restricted to Illinois municipalities only. However, Fahrenwald expressed concern about the risk of other municipalities redistributing Blue Island’s data.
As the council deliberated, Slattery noted that the six additional cameras installed later could potentially be included in a single agreement next year, streamlining their operations. The discussion also touched on issues raised in a previous council meeting on June 24, where members debated the appropriate use and legal compliance of the cameras.
City Administrator Thomas Wogan reported complaints regarding the potential misuse of the cameras, emphasizing they should only function as license plate readers. Alderman Joshua Roll called for establishing new data gathering guidelines and restrictions, highlighting the need for legal compliance amid advancing technology.
“Technology advancements make it easier to use the cameras to follow people,” Roll cautioned, stressing that outside law enforcement agencies should not have access to the city’s data.
While some council members shared concerns, others, like Alderman Dexter Johnson, defended the cameras, citing their role in recovering six stolen vehicles in his district and saving lives in surrounding areas.
With mounting pressure from both sides, the Blue Island City Council’s decision will likely set a precedent for how other municipalities approach the use of automated license plate cameras in the future. As this situation rapidly evolves, residents and officials alike await clarity on the next steps regarding their community’s safety and privacy.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
