Lake Bluff officials say the village's automatic 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 – after discussion at several meetings – as part of a two-year contract with Flock Group Inc. The agreement included the use of eight cameras that record license plates and vehicle characteristics to assist in criminal investigations and missing persons cases.
Police Chief Matt Smizinski told trustees that six fixed cameras are currently operating at key points of entry into the village, with two more expected – one along Green Bay Road and another near Highway 176. The previous camera on Highway 176 was removed due to IDOT construction and will be relocated. The police also have five mobile units in patrol cars.
The cameras collect about 10,000 reads a day, checking them against databases related to missing persons, protective orders, warrants, stolen vehicles and a “specialized hot list” used for ongoing investigations, Smizinski said. The village stores the data for 14 days.
Since its installation, the system has assisted in 72 investigations, Smizinski said. The data collected is shared with 48 other law enforcement agencies, mostly in Lake County. Officials emphasized that the information is not shared with federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement because immigration enforcement is prohibited by village policy.
“We try to be careful about who we share with,” Smizinski said. “But we’re still trying to help our neighbors.”
Village Administrator Drew Irwin said they might add Wisconsin law enforcement at some point, given that state's proximity to Bluff Lake.
Smizinski said the technology has already proven its effectiveness. In one case, the cameras helped identify a suspect accused of taking inappropriate photographs. In another case, license plate data helped police reconstruct the events leading up to a fatal crash on Highway 41 last February. The system also helped identify a suspect in a serial bicycle theft that affected several communities.
“We see the value in this,” Smizinski said. “We use this to initiate investigations as well as close cases.”
Village President Regis Charlot expressed strong support for the continuation of the program.
“I think this is the tool we need,” he said. “If we can stop disgusting things from happening, it will be helpful.”
Trustee Raffi Elchemmas agreed, saying the technology provided a reasonable compromise.
“I’m willing to sacrifice a little bit of privacy on the roads to keep people like that out and stop them from getting caught,” he said.
But not all trustees are convinced.
Trustee Taryn Fisher repeated her objection, citing concerns about how the data might be used.
“I don't like it,” Fischer said. “I think it’s a slippery slope and I don’t see the cost-benefit analysis.”
Trustee Katherine Hatch, a criminal defense lawyer, asked for more clarity on procedures. Village Administrator Drew Irwin and Charlotte said they are willing to review internal protocols if necessary.
Irwin said after the meeting, the contract will automatically renew next year unless either party gives notice of termination.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.
