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High-school student urges review of county's Flock license-plate reader program
Summary
Leo Cozzi, a Saint Charles high-school senior, asked the board to pause and publicly review Kane County's use of Flock automated license-plate readers, citing privacy risks, alleged FOIA denials, and a proposed expansion and recurring fees.
Leo Cozzi, a senior at Saint Charles Bennett High School, told the Kane County board he wants the county to pause and publicly review its Flock automated license-plate-reader program.
"Flock cameras are automated license plate readers that photograph and track every passing vehicle," Cozzi said, arguing the program can be used for stalking and privacy invasions. He said the county spent $61,000 on Flock in 2025 and that the sheriff has proposed expanding to 50 cameras, which he said would raise annual subscription costs significantly.
Cozzi also raised concerns about transparency and public access, asserting that Freedom of Information Act requests to the sheriff's office about camera locations and third-party data access have been repeatedly denied. He urged the board not to expand a surveillance system that allows searchable location data without warrants or clear public notice.
The board did not take immediate action; the comment was part of the public-comment period and was presented for the board's consideration.
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