Copyright Chicago Tribune
Lake Bluff officials say the village’s automated license plate reader cameras are already helping police solve cases, but questions remain about how the technology affects privacy. Trustees recently received a report on the system, which the board approved last year – following discussion at several meetings – under a two-year contract with Flock Group Inc. The agreement called for eight cameras that capture license plates and vehicle characteristics to assist with criminal investigations and missing-person cases. Police Chief Matt Smizinski told trustees that six fixed cameras are currently operating at key entry points around the village, with two more expected — one along Green Bay Road and another near Route 176. A previous camera on Route 176 was removed due to IDOT construction and will be relocated. Police also have five mobile units in squad cars. The cameras collect an estimated 10,000 reads per day, checking them against databases related to missing persons, protection orders, warrants, stolen vehicles, and a “custom hot list” used for ongoing investigations, Smizinski said. The village retains the data for 14 days. Since installation, the system has assisted in 72 investigations, Smizinski said. The data collected is shared with 48 other law enforcement agencies, mostly within Lake County. Officials emphasized that information is not shared with federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as immigration enforcement is a prohibited use under village policy. “We are trying to be very cognizant of who we are sharing with,” Smizinski said. “But still trying to help our neighbors.” Village Administrator Drew Irvin said it was possible they could add in Wisconsin law enforcement agencies at some point, given that state’s proximity to Lake Bluff. Smizinski said the technology has already proven effective. In one case, cameras helped identify a suspect accused of taking inappropriate photographs. In another case, license plate data helped police reconstruct events leading to a fatal crash along Route 41 last February. The system also assisted in identifying a suspect in a serial bicycle theft ring that affected multiple communities. “We do see the value of this,” Smizinski said. “We are utilizing this to start investigations but also to close cases.” Village President Regis Charlot expressed strong support for continuing the program. “I think this is a tool we need,” he said. “If we can stop things that are despicable, it is useful.” Trustee Raffi Elchemmas agreed, saying the technology provides a reasonable trade-off. “I am willing to give up a little privacy on the roads to prevent people like that and apprehending them,” he said. But not all trustees are convinced. Trustee Taryn Fisher reiterated her opposition, citing concerns about how the data could be used. “I don’t like it,” Fisher said. “I think it is a slippery slope, and I don’t see the cost-benefit analysis.” Trustee Katharine Hatch, a criminal defense attorney, pressed for more clarity on procedures. Village Administrator Drew Irvin and Charlot said they are open to revisiting internal protocols if needed. Irvin said after the meeting, the contract will automatically renew next year unless either party provides notice to terminate. Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
