The Daily Record reported that Angier's Board of Commissioners spent much of its Tuesday meeting discussing tighter limits on the town's Flock Safety cameras. JoCo Report republished the story.
Who could search Angier's plate reader data?
Under the police department's proposal, routine access would generally be limited to law enforcement agencies in Harnett, Wake and Johnston counties. Agencies outside those counties would have to make a specific request. Angier staff would run the search and send the relevant information, rather than give those agencies direct access.
Commissioners were concerned after learning that access previously granted to outside agencies was not always removed. Some of it could stay active indefinitely.
What searches would be audited?
Police Chief Lee Thompson and Capt. Daniel Helms, who administers Angier's Flock system, recommended several changes:
- Audits every two weeks, covering who searched, what they searched and whether a case number was given
- Mandatory case numbers for searches
- Additional training for officers, along with Flock training, supervisory instruction and a review of the department's plate reader policy
Helms said the system includes an automated feature that can flag certain searches for extra review. Commissioners discussed whether the town manager should also review activity or receive regular audit reports.
Right now, every Angier officer has access to the system, because patrol officers handle preliminary investigative work.
How long does Angier keep the images?
The town keeps vehicle images for 30 days. North Carolina law generally allows plate reader data to be kept for up to 90 days. Commissioners discussed cutting Angier's period to seven or 15 days.
Police recommend keeping the 30-day period. They argue some investigations move too slowly for a shorter window. Helms said several days can pass before a report reaches an investigator, and more time may be needed before witnesses or other evidence identify a vehicle of interest.
Does Angier already have a policy?
Yes. North Carolina law requires agencies that use plate readers to have written policies covering retention, data sharing, training, security, oversight and auditing. Angier has one, but town officials said it should be updated as the technology and public concerns change.
What changes for drivers?
Nothing has changed yet. Commissioners took no action Tuesday. Under the proposal, the limits would govern which outside agencies can search Angier's data. The proposal as reported does not include removing the cameras.
Several residents again asked the town to remove the cameras altogether. Stephen Seay of Riverstone Drive told commissioners the system amounts to mass surveillance because it records the movements of motorists who are not suspected of crimes. A retired law enforcement officer spoke in support of keeping the technology, provided strong policies and accountability come with it. To see where plate readers are near you, check the camera map. For background on how the readers work, read how plate readers work.
What happens next?
Commissioners are expected to keep discussing the proposal, and revisions could come back for consideration in November.