License plate readers have sparked a heated, nationwide debate over mass surveillance tools in law enforcement.
And Flock Safety, one of the more commonly known private security companies that markets plate readers, has found itself at the center.
Law enforcement officials insist Flock’s plate-reader cameras are helpful crime-fighting tools, despite revelations that data from those cameras has been accessed by federal immigration agents and officials tracking abortions. Meanwhile, some cops have been accused of using the technology to stalk people and activists have been charged with stealing Flock cameras.
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s a license plate reader?
License plate readers are cameras that turn photos of passing cars into text descriptions that can be searched in a database, using the make, model, license plate and location of a vehicle. Users can then set alerts and get notifications for specific vehicles and plates.
Plate readers are different than red light cameras and speed cameras. which are only triggered by alleged violations. The data from those traffic cameras typically isn’t shared outside the city that owns them.
What’s Flock Safety?
Flock is an Atlanta-based company that makes surveillance tools, including drones and gunshot-detection systems similar to ShotSpotter, the technology Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson got rid of.
Flock’s license plate readers are used by more than 7,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, including more than 500 in Illinois. They’re also used by colleges, such as the University of Illinois Chicago.
Why is Flock controversial?
Advocates have questioned whether arrests stemming from Flock alerts are constitutional because plate-reader databases can be searched without a warrant in Illinois.
An audit by the Illinois secretary of state’s office found that Flock license plate data originating in Illinois had been accessed by law enforcement officials from other states who were monitoring abortions and immigration enforcement agents coordination with local police is limited.
Dozens of police officials across the country have also been accused of making unauthorized Flock searches — including some locally — and many face criminal charges.
How have people pushed back?
Grassroots organizing movements have cropped up in some suburbs, including Woodstock and Warrenville, where residents have urged local officials to end agreements with Flock. Some municipalities, such as Evanston and Oak Park, have moved to end their contracts with Flock.
Amid the acrimonious nationwide fight over Flock, some activists in the suburbs have been accused of defacing and stealing Flock cameras and sensors. That includes three men charged with theft and criminal damage to government property for allegedly cutting down and taking several cameras in Lisle.
What’s being done to address concerns?
Legislation aimed at bolstering protections has been proposed to the Illinois General Assembly.
One bill, known as the Automated License Plate Recognition System Act, would require annual audits and set stricter statewide standards for acceptable use. Another would establish criminal charges for misuse and transparency requirements clarifying which municipalities have plate readers. Neither bill has advanced out of committee.