West Chicago officer being investigated over Flock camera use

West Chicago has put a police officer on administrative leave while it and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office investigate allegations involving potential misuse of a Flock automated license plate recognition system.

The officer may have used the system for an unauthorized purpose between late 2024 and early 2025, according to the city.

When West Chicago officials became aware of the matter, they took immediate steps to preserve relevant records, according to a statement from the city. They also immediately contacted the state’s attorney’s office and requested that it independently investigate whether any criminal conduct occurred.

In addition to the state’s attorney’s investigation, city officials will conduct an internal probe to determine whether city or police department policies, procedures, or standards of conduct were violated and whether any employment-related action is warranted, according to the statement.

The move comes as several other suburban police departments grapple with allegations that officers have misused automated license plate reader technology, including in Itasca, Bloomingdale and Prairie Grove.

“The city recognizes the broader public concern surrounding the use of automated license plate readers,” the West Chicago statement reads. “These tools have provided important public safety benefits, but their use must be balanced with appropriate safeguards, clear policies, meaningful oversight, and accountability.”

West Chicago officials said the city is conducting a broader audit of the use of Flock and other investigative software and technology.

The city recently added early-detection auditing tools and “will continue to monitor evolving best practices, technology, and internal processes to identify opportunities to strengthen oversight and safeguards,” the statement reads.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com