Did you know that there are cameras installed throughout Indiana that are constantly taking photos of your car as it passes and the likes of hundreds and thousands of other cars’ license plates every few seconds? Did you also know this information is stored automatically in databases maintained by both private and public entities? Most people aren’t aware of that, and not surprisingly so.
That’s because Indiana has very quietly joined the growing mass of states that are using this automated technology to track down individuals wanted in crimes, people speeding (in some scenarios), and for general investigative reasons. While license plate readers aren’t new by any means, and police officers have used this technology on their cars for close to a decade, new technology, like Flock, are increasing the power and reach of officers at an exponential rate. Many, including the ACLU, believe this is a violation of your right to privacy.
These cameras that have been installed in places like Zionsville, Indianapolis, Anderson, Plainfield, and more being added as we speak, are popping up in numerous locations — primarily at intersections and main roads that capture the most cars passing at any given point. The information is instantaneously shared with the appropriate authorities and immediate results are given as to whether that vehicle is involved in any potential crimes and/or might even be reported stolen. The information can also be used for tracking vehicles in potential kidnapping cases or Amber Alerts, etc.
Some of the privacy concerns revolve around the fact that all our information, including car make, model, year, and license plate number are being stored automatically in a system maintained by Flock Safety and local law enforcement agencies abound. While that gives law enforcement a quick and easy tool to search for where cars might be located at any given minute, some think the information can be used for profiling. While Flock Safety and law enforcement agencies using this technology deny the information is being used in violation of privacy laws, litigation is sure to sort that out. As of now, the constitutionality of these cameras has landed on the side of State’s ability to use them — that may change as these cases make their way up to the higher courts.
In the meanwhile, with the advent of AI and more robust technology systems being invented every day it seems, camera systems like Flock are going to become more and more common. Cameras allow police officers to be more efficient by providing more ‘eyes’ on the street than physical police officers. As an article by WRTV stated in 2023, there are close to 90% of the state’s using this technology in nearly 4,000 cities nationwide. A map, found here, proports to show the location of these cameras throughout Indiana — and the results are staggering (this has not been independently verified by our firm). Suffice it to say, this technology isn’t going away anytime soon — rather quite the opposite.
Should you or a loved one be facing a criminal offense in Indiana, give the experienced Indianapolis Criminal Lawyers at Banks & Brower, LLC, a call today. We are available 24/7/365 at info@banksbrower.com or 317.870.0019.