A petition is underway in Indiana to regulate the use of automated license plate readers, a technology that has proliferated across Hamilton County and other cities. These devices, known as Flock cameras, assist law enforcement in solving crimes by capturing license plate numbers of vehicles passing by, but they are generating significant debate regarding privacy and oversight.
In Fishers, Indiana, Sgt. Angela Ellison of the local police department highlighted the utility of these cameras, stating, “It’s really just helping our solvability with cases, and helps us get leads.” The technology recently played a crucial role in resolving a road rage incident where a victim could only provide a vague description of the suspect’s vehicle as a black minivan. Officers accessed the Flock system to identify and apprehend the suspect swiftly.
Despite their effectiveness, privacy advocates are voicing concerns about the lack of regulatory frameworks governing these surveillance tools. Walker Lasbury, director of Eyes off Indiana, is spearheading a petition aimed at prompting lawmakers to establish new policies. “In Indiana, there’s currently no regulation regulating their use,” Lasbury explained. “Police departments can retain your data for as long as they like, share it with whomever they like, all without any transparency or oversight at all.”
While some may liken Flock cameras to household surveillance devices such as doorbell cameras, police assert that their operational protocols are more stringent. According to Ellison, officers must document a legitimate reason to access the Flock database, contrasting with the unrestricted access that personal users have to their own surveillance data.
As technology continues to advance, Lasbury expressed hopes that Indiana will adopt appropriate oversight measures. “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,” he said.
In response to inquiries about their policies regarding Flock cameras, major police departments in Hamilton County provided varying degrees of information. The Carmel Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, and Westfield Police Department were contacted for their stances on the use of these surveillance tools. The Westfield department clarified that while Flock retains all data, it is exclusively used for investigative purposes and is never sold.
As discussions around the regulation of license plate cameras evolve, the balance between crime-solving capabilities and the protection of individual privacy rights remains a critical concern. The outcome of the petition and potential legislative action could set important precedents for how such surveillance technologies are managed in Indiana and beyond.
