Homer Glen board updates ALPR talks with county: 7‑day retention in proposed MOU, trustees debate privacy vs. crime‑solving

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Village attorneys told trustees that discussions with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Will County Sheriff’s Office about an MOU to govern automated license plate reader (ALPR) data had progressed positively and that a strict seven‑day retention policy is part of the village’s proposed terms.

The village attorney explained the MOU would give the village leverage to require sheriff’s office personnel to follow village policy via command order, and that a seven‑day retention period is a hard stop under the proposed terms intended to address resident privacy concerns. The attorney said the MOU also would link to an ALPR agreement rider with Flock, the vendor working on data‑collection devices.

Trustee concerns and flexibility: Some trustees expressed concern that a seven‑day window could hamper investigations if crimes come to light later. Trustee Mason asked whether data remains accessible if an incident is discovered beyond seven days; other trustees suggested a compromise, such as a longer retention window. The village attorney confirmed an MOU can be amended later if operational issues arise, and said amending the MOU is administratively simpler than changing an intergovernmental agreement that would require county board action.

No final vote: The item was a progress update; trustees did not adopt a final MOU at this meeting. Staff said they would continue negotiating details with the county and return to the board if changes or an implementation decision are required.