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Resident urges review of Flock Safety license‑plate cameras amid privacy concerns; board says safeguards exist
Summary
A Wheeling resident urged the Village Board to audit data‑sharing and access for Flock Safety automated license‑plate readers, citing removals and audits in nearby towns; the board said it has safeguards and invited residents to consult the new police chief for details.
Augustine Salgado urged the Wheeling Village Board to prioritize resident privacy and audit the village’s contract and data‑sharing agreements for Flock Safety automated license‑plate readers, warning that neighboring jurisdictions have removed the technology amid concerns.
"These automated license plate readers can aid law enforcement, but recent events in neighboring communities highlight serious risks related to privacy, data sharing, and potential misuse," Salgado said, citing Evanston and Oak Park terminating contracts and an audit in Mount Prospect that, he said, revealed unauthorized access by out‑of‑state or federal agencies.
Salgado asked the board to limit access to approved local agencies, implement strict usage policies, consider enhanced transparency reports, and, if necessary, reevaluate the contract to safeguard residents.
President Horker responded that the board takes use of the cameras "very seriously," saying the village has implemented safeguards "to make sure it does not get abused to the best of our abilities," and noted that the new police chief can provide more detail about policies and oversight.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; the board did not place a contract review on tonight’s agenda. The resident’s request for audits and policy changes remains a public comment record and may be raised again for staff follow‑up.
