$90K Flock Camera Investment Raises Stakes In Lake County Sheriff Race

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The candidates running for Lake County sheriff have weighed in on the use of automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras, as law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on the technology to investigate crimes.

Democratic incumbent John Idleburg, who is seeking a third term, supports using the cameras with strict oversight and safeguards to protect residents' privacy. Republican challenger Roman Buchberger has raised concerns about the potential for government abuse of surveillance technology.

The candidates addressed the issue in questionnaires submitted to Patch ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Automated license plate readers capture images of passing vehicles and record information such as license plate numbers, locations and timestamps. Police can search the information as part of criminal investigations, although the technology has also raised questions about data retention, access and government surveillance.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office has already invested in the technology. In March 2024, the Lake County Board approved a two-year, $90,000 contract to purchase 15 Flock Safety cameras, using money from the Sheriff's Asset Forfeiture Fund rather than additional taxpayer dollars. At the time, more than 20 Lake County municipalities were already using the technology, with more than 260 cameras operating throughout the county, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Officials said the cameras would help investigators locate missing or endangered people, identify stolen vehicles and track suspects wanted in violent crimes. The Sheriff's Office said the cameras would not be used for traffic enforcement and that guidelines were in place governing the collection and use of the data.

Idleburg, who has served as sheriff since 2018, said the technology has helped investigators solve crimes ranging from vehicle thefts and property crimes to kidnappings and murders.

"Automated license plate readers are an incredibly powerful investigative tool," Idleburg wrote in his questionnaire.

However, he acknowledged that the technology carries responsibilities for law enforcement agencies.

Idleburg said the Sheriff's Office has established a restrictive policy governing access to the system, including limitations on who can search the database and requirements that searches have a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

He said the department maintains records of system activity and conducts regular audits to identify potential misuse.

Idleburg also said employees who improperly access or use the technology could face disciplinary action, termination or criminal prosecution, depending on the circumstances.

"I understand and respect concerns about privacy and government surveillance," Idleburg wrote, adding that those concerns deserve serious consideration.

He said law enforcement agencies should be transparent about how the technology is used and continue listening to residents' concerns.

Buchberger, a Zion resident with 32 years of law enforcement experience, has expressed concerns about the potential for government abuse of automated surveillance technology.

The issue presents questions for the next sheriff about how to balance investigative tools with safeguards protecting residents' privacy.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is responsible for countywide law enforcement operations, criminal investigations, jail administration and court security.

Idleburg and Buchberger will face off in the Nov. 3 general election.