The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is asking the public for comments on proposed rules governing its use of automated license plate reader systems, including systems operated by private companies.
On Friday, CPD released an updated draft policy setting out how officers may use Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems. The revised policy defines and regulates “external ALPR systems,” which include private networks such as Flock.
According to CPD, neither the department nor the city of Chicago owns or manages these systems, and access to the data in them is limited. Under the proposed rules, officers searching an external system would be required to provide a case number, the type of offense or crime, and a detailed justification for the search.
The policy would also restrict access to the system, allowing only designated members of individual police units whose duties require it to use it. In each unit, a designated person would be responsible for overseeing the use of department-authorized ALPR systems and for maintaining an audit log of queries and the information obtained. CPD says ALPR systems help in investigations of violent crimes, shootings and homicides. The technology is also used in high-risk missing persons cases.
Reporters at FOX Chicago found that CPD officers conducted more than 23,000 Flock searches over three months under an agreement with a third party. The searches took place at a time when Chicago did not yet have an active contract with Flock.
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Source: Polski.FM
