Elmhurst Officials Face Reelection Threats Over Flock Cameras

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst residents on Monday spoke out against the city's continued use of Flock Safety cameras. But the City Council decided to stick with the company.

The council unanimously approved waiving bids and accepting Flock's proposal to lease the city 22 cameras for $45,000 for a year. There was no debate.

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The contract was bundled with other city business, known as the "consent agenda," which is designed for routine and non-controversial items. Any alderman has the right to remove an item from the bundle for a separate vote. None of the 14 did.

The cameras are license plate readers, which police say help them solve crimes.

In recent months, Flock has faced criticism nationwide, with opponents arguing the devices infringe on privacy. Critics say the company has total control over the data and shares it with ICE.

They also say that states with abortion bans have used the cameras to track women seeking the procedure. And they point to instances in which officers misuse the data to monitor romantic partners.

In recent weeks, officials in Burr Ridge and Darien have heard similar arguments from residents.

A few days ago, Flock introduced changes to its procedures in response to the criticism. Elmhurst police have a page on their website about the cameras.

At Monday's Elmhurst City Council meeting, resident Matthew Noack warned of the "rampant potential for abuse." He urged aldermen to vote against the contract.

"If you don't, I will make it my personal goal to be a pebble in your shoe, the blister on your ass and try to get you unseated and inform as many voters in the Elmhurst area as possible about your decision to violate our privacy," Noack said.

Andrea Boeke, who said she was Alderman Chris Jensen's neighbor, sounded a similar note.

"I will also be a pebble in your shoe, and I will find all the other area moms, and we will unseat people," she said.