Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forest Park council approves Thomson Reuters subscription after privacy questions
Summary
The council voted to renew a subscription for an investigative data service (referred to in discussion as 'Clear' / Thomson Reuters) after commissioners sought audit records and clearer local policies on access and data use.
The Village of Forest Park council on Sept. 8 approved a subscription renewal agreement with Thomson Reuters for an investigative-clearinghouse service, following extended discussion about privacy safeguards and audit procedures.
Commissioner Vogue said she was concerned about privacy and asked for details about how the police use the tool and how residents’ data are protected. "I'm personally until I have more information, I'm a little bit concerned about approving this at this time," she said, requesting Chief Gross’s audit records and clearer policy guidance for public review.
Deputy chiefs and police deputies explained that the system is an investigative tool used primarily by detectives, that usage is audited, and that Chief Gross reviews logins and reasons for access monthly. A deputy told the council that detectives generally provide a reason before accessing the system and that the department keeps documentation of who logged in and why. Another deputy said the tool is useful for background checks and cross-jurisdiction searches but emphasized limits imposed by broader gaps in U.S. data privacy laws.
Commissioner Maxim and others said they were comfortable proceeding with the renewal so long as Chief Gross provides the requested audits and staff develops public-facing documentation about controls and oversight. The council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution renewing the subscription (R-87-25).
Context and clarifications: Administrator Etler later told the council that Motorola and the Illinois Secretary of State had conducted reviews related to license-plate reader (LPR) systems and that Motorola was implementing protocols to reduce inadvertent sharing. Administrators said the village was not found to be in noncompliance as a result of the audit. Several commissioners referenced a prior inadvertent LPR data-sharing incident and said additional transparency would reassure residents.
Representative quotes:
"We should go over how the police use it and what auditing measures exist," Commissioner Vogue said.
"He audits the usage on a monthly basis...there is documentation as to who's logging in and what they're accessing the data for," a deputy chief told the council, referring to Chief Gross's audits.
Ending: The council approved the subscription renewal but requested that the chief provide audit records and that staff prepare documentation about access and oversight for public review.
