Proposal met with concerns over data protection, sharing
ROCKFORD — The city is considering expanding its network of automated license-plate readers and surveillance cameras. Police say those tools have been invaluable to solving crime, but privacy advocates have raised concern over how the data is shared and protected against illegal use.
City Council members are slated to consider on Monday a nearly $444,000 four-year contract with Atlanta-based Flock Safety to add 27 license-plate readers and seven video cameras, which would be placed in retail areas where police say there is less technology in and around businesses. The contract breaks down to roughly $111,000 for the first year, with three one-year renewal options. The first year cost would be covered by a grant from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
A vote was delayed last week after Alderwoman Gina Meeks asked for more time to review the contract, noting concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who found in August that U.S. Customs and Border Protection gained access to Flock data against state law. The finding led to the city of Evanston deactivating its Flock cameras. Flock has said it now paused its operations with federal agencies…