Joliet's License Plate Cameras: Privacy Concerns or Crime-Fighting Tools?

Joliet is home to over 80 Flock cameras. These cameras capture license plates and other data. This information helps police solve crimes. A local resident, Sam Coffey, wants to remove these cameras. He worries about the data they collect. Coffey believes the cameras track everyone who drives by. The police disagree. They say the cameras are crucial for solving crimes. Police Chief William Evans supports their use. He says the cameras have helped in every major crime solved. The cameras provide leads that might otherwise be missed. The cameras are not just in Joliet. They are found across the country. Deputy Chief Chris Botzum says they are everywhere. He believes they are vital for crime-fighting. Recently, they helped track a shooting suspect. They also helped locate Romeo Nance, who fled after a deadly shooting spree.But there are concerns. Some people avoid downtown due to the cameras. Others worry about data sharing. The police say they control who gets the data. They share it only with trusted agencies. This is not the first time Flock cameras have caused controversy. In 2024, Texas used them to track a woman seeking abortion services. Illinois officials condemned this use. They said it violated privacy laws. The city shows no signs of removing the cameras. Council members seem unconcerned. Coffey's petition has 125 signatures. But it may not be enough to change the city's stance.