Cook County Criminal Justice Committee Meeting - May 13, 2026

This meeting of the Cook County Criminal Justice Committee, held on May 13, 2026, at 10:35 AM, primarily considered a proposed contract to expand and continue the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from Flock Safety through vendor Insight Public Sector. Extensive public testimony and commissioner discussion focused on privacy, oversight, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The contract was approved 13-3 with one absent, after which the committee also passed a resolution in support of state legislation to regulate firearm "switches" and an intergovernmental data-sharing agreement for community violence intervention.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chief Mitchell Davis (Hazel Crest Police Department, past president of Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, incoming national president of NOBLE) spoke in favor of LPRs, citing specific unsolved and solved cases in his jurisdiction. He argued that LPRs are a critical investigative tool and that misuse should result in accountability, not removal of the tool.
• Chief Matthew Ramirez (Marionette Park Police Department, 25+ years) testified that LPRs are invaluable for identifying vehicles involved in violent crimes, domestic violence, and missing persons, and that removal would immediately hinder public safety.
• Chief John DeVries (Harwood Heights Police Department, 40+ years) spoke remotely, describing a successful homicide arrest made possible by LPRs. He emphasized that LPRs only read license plates, not demographics, and that police need such tools given increasing legal restrictions.
• Written testimony was submitted by Chief William Alexander (Posen Police), Barbara McDaniel, and Darya Lauva, all in support of the LPR program.

Discussion Items

• Contract 26-1043: Continuation and Expansion of ALPR System

  • Jason Hernandez and others from the Cook County Sheriff's Office presented. The contract value is $900,000 for a two-year period with Insight Public Sector (reseller for Flock Safety). The system currently has 71 stationary cameras; the contract would increase the total to 125 (100 stationary, 25 flex cameras).
  • Presenters detailed that camera placement is data-driven (violent crime trends, stolen vehicle hotspots, etc.) through a multi-layer review. They emphasized no facial recognition, no biometrics, no audio, no autonomous enforcement. Prohibited uses include immigration enforcement, reproductive health care investigations, and protected First Amendment activity. All searches require a documented criminal predicate and case number, and are logged per user.
  • Multiple commissioners raised concerns:
    • Commissioner Vasquez questioned the vendor's history (e.g., Illinois Attorney General findings) and requested stronger oversight on data breaches, security audits, and contract amendments. She expressed concern over conflicting contract language and the ability to terminate if misuse occurs.
    • Commissioner Stamps worried about disproportionate impact on Black communities and asked for specific placement locations. The sheriff's office clarified that exact poles are not yet selected but general communities will be informed once determined. She also asked about auditing and who bears responsibility for errors; the sheriff's office stated individual officers act in good faith, and misuse would trigger immediate removal and referral to the Illinois Secretary of State.
    • Commissioner Naya pressed on data sharing, FOIA implications, and the risk of pretextual searches (e.g., linking a permissible traffic stop to a prohibited purpose). The sheriff's office said they require specific dropdown categories and case numbers, and violators lose access.
    • Commissioner Morrison asked about the declaration agencies must sign; it was provided during the meeting. He also asked about federal subpoenas and indemnification; the sheriff's office noted they comply with lawful subpoenas but are restricted from assisting in immigration detention under state law.
    • Commissioner Scott and Commissioner Laurie expressed support, noting the technology's effectiveness in their districts and the safeguards in place.
    • Commissioner Vasquez also highlighted that the contract was a piggyback on Cobb County, Georgia's RFP, and that while cost-effective, it limits local control over terms. The Chief Procurement Officer explained that the Cook County PSA overrides conflicting provisions and includes early termination rights.
  • The sheriff's office committed to provide regular updates (quarterly briefings) on audits, placement, and any breaches.

• Resolution 26-119: Support for Senate Bill 2801 and House Bill 4471 (Gun Switch Legislation)

  • Commissioner Lowry introduced the resolution, which supports state bills to regulate devices that convert semi-automatic handguns into machine guns. The resolution passed unanimously (16-0-1).

• Item 26-053: Intergovernmental Data-Sharing Agreement (GASC)

  • Ali (Deputy Director, Justice Advisory Council) explained this agreement allows Cook County, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and Chicago Department of Public Health to share aggregate data (no personal identifying information) on community violence intervention grantees to coordinate investments and evaluate impact via Northwestern's Center for Neighborhoods. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• License Plate Reader Contract (Item 26-1043): Approved 13-3 (Commissioners Naya, Stamps, Vasquez voted no; Commissioner Gaynor absent). The contract authorizes the Chief Procurement Officer to execute a $900,000, two-year contract with Insight Public Sector for 125 total ALPR cameras, including continuation of existing 71 and addition of 54 new cameras.
• Gun Switch Resolution (Item 26-119): Approved unanimously 16-0-1.
• GASC Data-Sharing Agreement (Item 26-053): Approved unanimously 16-0-1.
• Next Steps: The sheriff's office will provide quarterly reports to the board on LPR usage, audits, and any data incidents, and will share the list of current camera locations and the template declaration for partner agencies.