Galesburg’s top law enforcement officer said he understands privacy concerns over the use of proposed license plate reader cameras but is confident the equipment is a safe and effective crime-fighting tool.
The Galesburg City Council voted 5-2 on Monday to delay the city’s purchase five Flock Safety Falcon cameras to install in various parts of Galesburg. Fourth Ward Alderman Dwight White said Monday he had concerns over the cameras, questioning how they would be used and what would happen with the data.
“I’m going to be honest, I’m not happy with surveillance in general,” White said. “It’s a slippery slope, and it’s scary.
“I would like the public to know more before I can vote on this. I need to talk to more of my constituents.”
After the issue was tabled Monday, aldermen will again reconsider the purchase of LPR cameras at the Dec. 4 City Council meeting.
White questioned Galesburg Police Chief Russ Idle about the legality of the license plate reader cameras.
“In order to stop or detain someone, you have to have reasonable suspicion or belief someone have been or are going to be involved in a crime, but there is no legal requirement to simple run a license plate — either by an officer or an automated system,” Idle said. “It’s routine.”
White later asked Idle under what circumstances law enforcement would access data captured by the cameras.
Idle countered “Only if they were performing a law enforcement function.”
In June, Galesburg City Council heard a presentation from a Flock Safety representative on how the cameras would benefit the community. At that time, the majority of the Council supported the moving forward with acquiring the LPR cameras.
Galesburg considers adding 5 license plate recognition cameras to city streets. Here’s how they work
Idle tells WGIL the LPR cameras are “an effective crime-fighting tool.” He noted the cameras provide police with real-time information on vehicles that are involved in illegal activity — ranging from stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and vehicles used in the commission of violent crime.
“We will not only have access to the information gathered from the vehicles in Galesburg but also to other areas of the region that also use the same system,” Idle said. “As we know, criminals are mobile, so this information will also be very useful.”
Idle said he understands some are apprehensive about implementing the cameras in Galesburg.
“I am not surprised, but I would consider it a concern, not resistance,” Idle said. “I think it is the responsibility of all in government to be cognizant of privacy issues for our citizens.
“I am very comfortable with the safety processes put into place with this LPR system to protect the privacy of honest citizens.”
To address the privacy concerns that were expressed, Idle offered the following assurances:
- No information about any vehicle will be accessed unless there is a legitimate law enforcement reason
- All data gathered that is not needed for an investigation is permanently deleted after 30 days
- There is an audit trail of all data accessed showing the date, time, what information was accessed, and who accessed it.
- Constitutionally established privacy rights are still in force and applicable to LPR cameras.
There are numerous agencies in the region and across the country that utilize Flock LPR systems. These agencies have the ability to share data and camera access to increase the coverage area of the system. Some agencies currently using Flock include Peoria, Moline and Quincy.
Idle said the decision to purchase five cameras was a budgetary one, adding more cameras would be useful.
The five cameras, according to Idle, would be located at the main arterial entrances to Galesburg, such as I-74 and Route 34.
If approved by the council, the installation of the cameras would start in January 2024.
