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Holly Reese urges Colona council to review automated license-plate readers over privacy concerns
Summary
Resident Holly Reese told the Colona City Council that automated license-plate readers (ALPRs) used in town raise privacy and contract risks, citing audits and contract language from other cities and urging a local policy review.
Holly Reese, a Colona resident, urged the City Council to re-examine the city’s use of automated license-plate readers and the contracts that govern them, saying the technology “captures an image of every car that goes past” and stores searchable data for at least 30 days. "I believe that this is unconstitutional," she said during the public-comment period, citing audits and contract disputes elsewhere.
Reese summarized audits and contract disputes in other jurisdictions, telling council members that Dayton, Ohio recorded more than 7,100 searches in one audit and that Illinois agencies had disclosed sensitive access in other cases. She raised concerns that certain contract provisions allow the vendor to access, use, preserve or disclose footage to law enforcement and third parties "if legally required" or if the vendor "in good faith" believes such disclosure is necessary.
Reese said she was not accusing local officials of wrongdoing but asked the council to consider how the city should address the technology going forward and whether local contract language provides sufficient privacy protections. The council did not take formal action at the meeting; Reese asked the body to "think about how Colona wants to address this technology going forward."
