A petition is currently circulating in Indiana, calling for regulations surrounding the use of automated license plate readers. These devices, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Hamilton County and other cities, assist law enforcement in solving crimes but raise significant privacy concerns.
Automated license plate readers, commonly referred to as Flock cameras, function by capturing and storing license plate numbers of vehicles that pass by. Unlike traditional surveillance cameras, these systems do not monitor driving behavior or speed. Instead, they provide law enforcement with a digital record that can be accessed after a crime has occurred.
Sgt. Angela Ellison of the Fishers Police Department highlighted the utility of these cameras, stating, “It’s really just helping our solvability with cases, and helps us get leads.” Recent incidents illustrate their effectiveness; for example, Flock cameras played a pivotal role in resolving a road rage incident in Fishers, where officers successfully located and arrested a suspect based solely on the description of a black minivan.
Despite the benefits, privacy advocates express serious concerns about the unregulated use of these surveillance tools. Walker Lasbury, the director of Eyes off Indiana, is spearheading a petition aimed at urging lawmakers to implement new policies governing the technology. “In Indiana, there’s currently no regulation regulating their use,” Lasbury noted. He emphasized that police departments can retain data indefinitely and share it without any oversight or transparency.
While some may equate Flock cameras to residential surveillance systems, police maintain that their protocols are stricter. Ellison explained that officers must document a legitimate reason for utilizing the Flock system, stating, “We have to use it if there’s been a criminal offense.” This contrasts with personal security cameras, which can be used freely and without justification by their owners.
As technology evolves, Lasbury advocates for comprehensive oversight measures, saying, “I like that [Hamilton County] is regulating these cameras. However, if other counties don’t do the same, it opens us up to some big issues.”
In an effort to gather more information on local policies, WRTV reached out to major police departments across Hamilton County regarding their use of Flock cameras. The responses revealed a common thread: while the data is stored securely and not sold, concerns about oversight remain prevalent.
The Carmel Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, and Westfield Police Department all confirmed their commitment to using Flock cameras strictly for investigative purposes. Westfield further clarified that all data collected is retained exclusively for law enforcement use and is not subject to sale.
As the debate continues, the potential for future regulations surrounding the use of automated license plate readers remains a significant issue for both law enforcement and privacy advocates in Indiana. The outcome of the petition could shape the landscape of surveillance technology and its implications for residents across the state.
