OSHKOSH — The Oshkosh Common Council has decided to delay a vote on a proposed resolution that would significantly limit the use of automated license plate reading (ALPR) camera technology in criminal investigations. Several council members have expressed support for stronger restrictions on this technology.
The proposed ordinance would have required prior approval from the Common Council for any city staff to utilize ALPR technology. Current regulations stem from an earlier decision in April when the city chose not to renew its contract with Flock Safety. This decision followed allegations that a Flock representative misrepresented the capabilities of their cameras. Since that time, the city has not operated any ALPR cameras for investigative purposes.
As of now, the city has deactivated 25 Flock cameras, which have been covered and are not in use. In June, Police Chief Dean Smith announced that the city was exploring alternate vendors for ALPR technology but decided to put the plan on hold pending potential new state legislation aimed at regulating such technology.
Details of the Proposed Resolution
The resolution under consideration would not have banned ALPR cameras outright but would have mandated that any future proposals for their use include a written policy detailing their purpose, safeguards, and governance. Deputy Mayor Karl Buelow, who introduced the resolution, emphasized that it reflected a commitment to not utilizing this technology without strict oversight.
A split emerged among council members regarding the extent of the restrictions. While some supported a more substantial approach, citing a model resolution from Appleton, others criticized the lack of input from stakeholders, including Police Chief Smith. Council member Paul Esslinger highlighted that he found the process concerning, suggesting that only a couple of members had consulted the police chief on the matter.
Opposition to the restrictions came from Mayor Matt Mugerauer, who suggested looking to Green Bay as an example of effective governance around ALPR technology. Green Bay has maintained its Flock cameras while updating its ALPR policy.
The opposing views within the council on how to address ALPR technology reflect growing national concerns about privacy and potential violations of constitutional rights. Critics of ALPR systems argue they may infringe on the Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches.
The Oshkosh Police Department has refrained from commenting on the proposed resolution. The Common Council plans to revisit the issue, with a possible new resolution expected at the next meeting scheduled for next month.
