In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating police surveillance technology in the village. The ordinance, which is based on a model from the American Civil Liberties Union, seeks to establish a framework for oversight of the police department's use of automated license plate readers and any future surveillance technologies.

The ordinance includes input from the Citizens Police Oversight Committee (CPOC), which reviewed the proposed changes during their meetings on January 31 and April 15, 2024. Key modifications were highlighted in the agenda packet provided to attendees, reflecting a collaborative effort between the village attorney and police chief Chitania Johnson.

David Baker, chair of the Civic Information Systems Commission (CISC), expressed support for the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of community control over police surveillance. He noted that public forums should be held to gather community input before any new surveillance technology is implemented, aiming to prevent division among the public and the board.

Trustees raised clarifying questions regarding the scope of the ordinance, particularly whether existing technologies, such as license plate readers used for parking enforcement, would be subject to the new regulations. It was confirmed that the ordinance would only apply to new technologies, not those currently in use.

Further discussions included the requirement for a surveillance impact report, which would necessitate the provision of crime statistics in the area where new technology is proposed. Additionally, a notable change was made regarding exigent circumstances, where the option for a 30-day review period was removed at the request of the village board, a decision that was supported by Chief Johnson.

Overall, the meeting underscored the village's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the oversight of police surveillance practices, with the ordinance set to provide a structured process for future technology proposals.