DuPage Sheriff Hopefuls To Keep Flock Cameras, With Controls

ELMHURST, IL – The Democratic and Republican candidates for DuPage County sheriff have indicated they would keep controversial license plate-reading cameras.

The Flock Safety brand, in particular, has drawn criticism nationwide for the company's use of the camera data.

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More examples are also popping up of officers misusing the cameras for such things as tracking girlfriends.

At a recent candidate forum, Democrat Peter Coolidge and Republican Sean Noonan both said they would control the use of such cameras.

"As sheriff, I will move heaven and Earth and pass a zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse of Flock cameras," Coolidge said during the forum, organized by the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst.

He also said the public should question how Flock uses its technology "because of the current federal government," referring to the Trump administration.

Noonan said he absolutely supported Flock cameras. Such equipment, he said, was critical in solving a killing in Oakbrook Terrace, where he works.

"At the end of the day, this is an investigative tool," Noonan said. "It captures your license plate. There's no expectation of privacy with a license plate that's traveling on a public roadway."

He also said regular audits of camera use should take place.

"In my opinion, it should be limited to detectives and supervisors only, not patrol level, because people are abusing it," Noonan said.

The candidates are vying to replace two-term Republican Sheriff James Mendrick.

Coolidge has spent his career as a deputy at the sheriff's office. Noonan has worked at several police departments.

During the half-hour forum, Noonan was the only one to specifically criticize the sheriff's office. And he only did so once.

Asked about the office's cooperation with other agencies, Noonan said, "There has been a deficiency with the sheriff's office over the years with the lack of support with the other municipalities. I want to strengthen that working relationship with all the municipalities."

During the Republican primary campaign, Mendrick endorsed his undersheriff, Eddie Moore. Noonan won in a landslide.

Mendrick, who ran for governor earlier this year, has not endorsed a sheriff candidate in the general election.