- I'm the In Your Community multimedia journalist for Hamilton County.
FISHERS — Automated license plate readers are becoming increasingly common across Hamilton County and other Indiana cities, helping police solve crimes while sparking debate about privacy and oversight.
The cameras, known as Flock cameras, don't monitor driving behavior or speed. Instead, they capture and store every license plate number that passes by, creating a digital trail that law enforcement can access only after crimes occur.WATCH FULL STORY BELOW'It's really just helping our solvability with cases, and helps us get leads. Sometimes, it may not work out, but it's just one extra tool we have,' said Sgt. Angela Ellison with Fishers Police.The technology recently helped solve a road rage incident in Fishers. When a victim could only describe the suspect's vehicle as a black minivan after shots were fired, officers used the Flock system to locate and arrest the suspect.However, privacy advocates are raising concerns about the lack of regulation surrounding these surveillance tools.Walker Lasbury, director of Eyes off Indiana, is working on a petition urging lawmakers to create new policies around the technology.'In Indiana, there's currently no regulation regulating their use,' Lasbury said. '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 the cameras might seem similar to Ring doorbell cameras, police say their systems have more restrictions. Fishers police adds that they are required to input a reason for using the flock system. 'You get to own , and you get to look through it whenever you want. And honestly, you can do with it whatever you want. That's not the case for us. We have to use it if there's been a criminal offense,' Ellison said.As technology continues to evolve, Lasbury hopes the state will implement proper oversight measures.'I like that County is regulating these cameras. However, if other counties don't do the same, it opens us up to some big issues,' Lasbury said.WRTV asked every other major police department in Hamilton County about their policies on the use of Flock cameras, and their responses are below: CARMEL POLICE DEPARTMENT:NOBLESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT:WESTFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT: Westfield told WRTV that Flock stores all of its data, it is never sold, and can only be used for investigative purposes. A full FAQ page for Westfield's Flock usage can be found below:—Griffin Gonzalez is the In Your Community multimedia journalist for Hamilton County. He joined WRTV in January of 2024. Griffin loves to tell stories about people overcoming their biggest obstacles and share the good news that his community has to offer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Griffin by emailing him at griffin.gonzalez@wrtv.com.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Growth is not the enemy:' Westfield leaders say city needs more families to support school enrollment- I'm the In Your Community multimedia journalist for Hamilton County.
Read more »
Score predictions for the Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana PacersPicking tonight's matchup between Charlotte and Indiana.
Read more »
Curt Cignetti Carries Serious Demeanor But Still Enjoying Indiana's Historic RunIndiana's coach often looks upset when the TV camera pans to him on the sideline. But on the inside, he's taken pleasure in the Hoosiers' undefeated season and pursuit of a national championship.
Read more »
Indiana vs. Oregon prediction: Who wins the Peach Bowl, and why?See our expert college football prediction as Indiana and Oregon face off in this College Football Playoff game — who wins, why, and what to expect in this marquee matchup.
Read more »
Chicago and Northwest Indiana Brace for Damaging Winds and RainA strong storm system is expected to impact Chicago and Northwest Indiana, bringing potentially damaging winds, heavier rain, and thunderstorms. The greatest risk lies south and west of Chicago, and across northwest Indiana. Residents are advised to prepare for gusty conditions and potential disruptions. Another round of rain, and even snow, comes Saturday afternoon and evening, just in time for the Bears' game.
Read more »
Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach Curt Cignetti: 'I Am Happy, At Times'Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti, who rarely expresses joy on the sideline, explained how he's occasionally happy.
Read more »