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Chicago police narrow access to outside license-plate camera data during audit
Chicago police are reviewing whether officers improperly accessed license-plate reader systems operated by other agencies and have already limited who can use them. A proposed policy would require documented law-enforcement reasons for searches and monthly audits; public comments are open through Nov. 12.
The Chicago Police Department is auditing whether officers improperly used other law enforcement agencies’ automated license-plate reader systems, and has immediately restricted access to personnel whose jobs require it.
The department announced the review and changes Oct. 26. It has also directed each of its five bureaus to designate an official to oversee searches of both CPD-owned systems and those operated by outside agencies.
A draft policy proposes making individual logins nontransferable and requiring officers to record a legitimate law-enforcement purpose for every search. It would also establish monthly reviews of queries and have the Office of Public Safety Administration handle officers’ requests for access to outside systems. Penalties for violations could include losing access or referral for prosecution.
CPD has not said what prompted the audit or when it expects to complete it. The department has described license-plate reader technology as important to investigations of homicides, shootings and missing-person cases. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office declined to comment while the review is underway.
The draft directive is open for public comment through Nov. 12. CPD says it will consider feedback before finalizing the rules.
The review comes amid scrutiny of Flock Safety’s camera and data systems and allegations of misuse by law enforcement personnel in the region. A former Joliet police lieutenant was charged with a felony earlier this month; authorities have also brought felony charges against officers from Itasca, West Chicago, Prairie Grove and Kenosha County, Wisconsin, in cases involving alleged misuse. Those accusations do not establish wrongdoing by Chicago officers, whose conduct remains under audit.
On Nov. 12, the Will County Board is scheduled to consider a proposal to ban automated license-plate reader cameras on county property. The same day marks the close of public comment on CPD’s draft policy.