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Berwyn police discuss cameras, cloud records system and station renovation; aldermen press for contract transparency and privacy answers
Summary
Chief Somedayman described the department’s Flock license‑plate reader network, a new cloud CAD/RMS system and planned dispatch expansion tied to consolidation discussions; aldermen raised questions about camera privacy, independent audits of renovations and access to contract documents.
During the report to aldermen, Police Chief Michael Somedayman described recent technology and facility changes and answered council questions about privacy and procurement.
Somedayman said the department installed roughly 20 Flock license‑plate reader cameras around the city’s outskirts to alert officers when a wanted or stolen vehicle passes a reader; he credited the system with helping investigators identify suspects and said it assisted in a homicide investigation on Roosevelt Road. The department also launched a voluntary video‑sharing program that lets residents register private cameras so they can share footage with police.
On records and dispatch, Somedayman said the department migrated to a cloud‑based CAD and RMS product (Mark43) about five months earlier and described Berwyn as the first city or village in Illinois to move completely to a cloud‑based system, according to his report. He also said the department is building an expanded dispatch center with room for eight dispatcher consoles and is in talks with other agencies about consolidation; Somedayman noted state consolidation thresholds have changed over time and said Berwyn recently met the threshold that made consolidation optional rather than mandatory.
Aldermen raised privacy and oversight concerns. One attendee asked, “How would I know if my neighbor's camera is pointed in my way…?” Somedayman responded, “I don't have an answer for you,” and the council requested follow‑up on privacy protections and legal limits for camera sharing and LPR use. The transcript does not include specific written policy language or a legal citation for camera use or surveillance limits.
Council members also asked about the station renovation: whether independent audits or a cost‑benefit analysis had been performed, whether documents and contracts would be publicly available, and whether construction used local contractors. Somedayman said the construction contract was held by a larger construction firm that then contracted tradespeople; he said he did not have renovation contract documents available at the meeting and did not recall public input on the project. He said the renovation created a new training area, evidence processing area and a secure office for social workers.
On booking and intergovernmental arrangements, Somedayman said Berwyn houses prisoners for several neighboring municipalities under fee agreements and charges for transport to bond hearings. He said the new dispatch plans were being coordinated with the 911 board and that some agencies had expressed interest in consolidating, but final details remained to be worked out.
Council members asked the chief to provide additional financial and contract documentation and policy language on camera usage and data handling; Somedayman said he would compile answers and bring back documentation or identify appropriate finance and contracting staff to respond.
