URGENT UPDATE: Blue Island officials are in a heated debate over the future of the city’s controversial license plate cameras as privacy concerns mount. Just last night, the City Council convened to discuss whether to approve a contract that would reauthorize eight of the city’s 14 license plate cameras, amid growing scrutiny from nearby suburbs.
During the meeting, Police Chief Jason Slattery emphasized that the council has one month to make a decision. The city initially contracted with Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, in 2021 to install these cameras. The cameras are designed to assist in solving crimes and provide real-time alerts on vehicles linked to criminal activity, according to the city’s official statements.
Alderman Bill Fahrenwald raised significant concerns about the potential misuse of data collected by these cameras. He cited the recent decision by Evanston to deactivate its cameras after a state audit revealed that Flock was sharing sensitive data with federal agencies. Fahrenwald insisted on knowing where the data is shared before agreeing to renew the contract. “They’re tremendous tools and we want them, but I also want to ensure we’ve locked it up as tightly as we possibly can,” he stated.
In response, Slattery assured the council that any organization accessing the camera data must adhere to strict Illinois policies prohibiting sharing footage with federal or out-of-state agencies. He noted that access has recently been revoked from entities outside Illinois, limiting data sharing to local municipalities.
However, Fahrenwald expressed concern that even local municipalities could inadvertently share data externally. Slattery admitted he was unsure if such sharing was possible, adding to the urgency of the council’s deliberations.
The council had previously discussed these issues on June 24, where divisions among members became apparent. City Administrator Thomas Wogan reported complaints about potential misuse, underscoring the need for focused restrictions on the cameras, which should only target license plate readings without tracking vehicle movement.
Alderman Joshua Roll highlighted the risks associated with technological advancements, urging the establishment of new data gathering guidelines to ensure legal compliance. He specifically called for measures to prevent outside law enforcement from accessing city data.
Despite the concerns, Alderman Dexter Johnson supported the cameras, citing their role in recovering six stolen vehicles in the area and their life-saving potential in neighboring communities like Robbins and Posen.
As the clock ticks down on the decision, Blue Island finds itself at a crossroads, balancing public safety with privacy concerns. The fate of the license plate cameras hangs in the balance, with the next council meeting looming in the coming weeks.
Residents and officials alike will be watching closely to see how this urgent issue unfolds, as it could set a precedent for other municipalities facing similar dilemmas. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
