Four Oak Park trustees rejected a motion that would’ve turned the cameras off for 90 days, shutting down the program outright
Summary of Oak Park’s Termination of Flock License Plate Reader Contract
On August 5, 2023, the Oak Park Board of Trustees voted to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, effectively shutting down its network of eight license plate reading cameras. This decision, made in light of growing privacy concerns and ongoing investigations into Flock Safety, highlights a significant shift in local governance regarding surveillance technology.
Key Points
- Contract Termination: The Oak Park board decided to cancel the Flock Safety contract outright instead of opting for a temporary 90-day shutdown, which was proposed by two trustees.
- Privacy Concerns: Four trustees cited privacy issues, distrust of Flock, and fears of misuse of data for immigration enforcement as primary reasons for their vote to cancel the contract.
- State Investigation: The decision comes amid an investigation by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office into alleged illegal searches of Flock-generated data by out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
- Trustees’ Arguments: The majority of trustees argued that delaying the decision could allow Flock to continue collecting data that might be used against community members, undermining local sanctuary laws.
- Alternative Motion: Two trustees proposed a 90-day pause to gather more community feedback and input from the Oak Park police, emphasizing the need for a more thorough discussion on technology’s role in policing.
Detailed Breakdown
Contract Cancellation
The Oak Park Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, with the decision taking effect immediately. The cameras ceased operation on August 6, 2023, and the village will coordinate the removal of the cameras with Flock.
Privacy and Trust Issues
Trustees Jenna Leving Jacobson, Brian Straw, Derek Eder, and Chibuike Enyia expressed significant concerns regarding the potential misuse of data collected by Flock, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. Straw emphasized the importance of democratic processes in addressing community concerns, stating, “This is what democracy looks like.” Jacobson further articulated the urgency of the situation, arguing that the risks were too great to delay action.
State Investigation Context
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is investigating Flock Safety for alleged illegal searches, including inquiries related to a Texas woman believed to have had an abortion and other immigration enforcement cases. This scrutiny adds to the mounting pressure on local governments to reconsider their partnerships with surveillance technology providers.
Alternative Motion and Community Input
Trustees Jim Taglia and Cory Wesley proposed an alternative motion to shut down the cameras for 90 days to allow for community input and a more comprehensive evaluation of the technology’s role in policing. Taglia voiced concerns about the unrealistic expectations placed on police without adequate resources and community input, while Wesley stressed the need for a collaborative approach.
Board Dynamics and Leadership Response
Village President Vicki Scaman expressed disappointment over the board’s failure to engage in a more substantive discussion with professional staff before making a decision. She indicated that a more thorough process could have led to similar outcomes while ensuring community engagement.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “We can’t protect the data that’s being collected in our community from being used to harm innocent people.” – Trustee Jenna Leving Jacobson
- “You can’t hold the police accountable to unrealistic expectations.” – Trustee Jim Taglia
- The Illinois Secretary of State’s investigation involves 46 different law enforcement agencies allegedly conducting illegal searches of Illinois Flock Safety datasets.
Context & Implications
The decision to terminate the Flock Safety contract reflects a growing trend among local governments to reassess their relationships with surveillance technology providers in light of privacy concerns and civil liberties. The outcome in Oak Park may influence other communities grappling with similar issues, as they weigh the benefits of crime-fighting technology against the potential risks to individual rights and community trust. This situation underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about the ethical implications of surveillance and the responsibilities of law enforcement in a democratic society.
democratic society.