Angier Weighs Tighter Rules For License Plate Cameras

ANGIER — Angier officials are considering tighter restrictions on the town’s automated license plate reader system following continued concerns from residents about privacy, data security and how information collected by the cameras could be used.

The Daily Record reported the Angier Board of Commissioners spent much of its Tuesday meeting discussing possible changes to the Police Department’s use of Flock Safety cameras.

Under the proposal, routine access to Angier’s license plate reader data would generally be limited to law enforcement agencies in Harnett, Wake and Johnston counties. Audits would be scheduled every two weeks, plus mandatory case numbers for searches and additional officer training.

Commissioners took no action but indicated revisions could return for consideration in November.

Several residents again asked the town to remove the cameras altogether. A retired law enforcement officer spoke in support of keeping the technology, but said strong policies and accountability should accompany its use.

Police Chief Lee Thompson and Capt. Daniel Helms, who administers Angier’s Flock system, outlined several changes the department is recommending.

One of the largest involves access by outside law enforcement agencies.

Under the proposal, routine access would generally be limited to agencies in Harnett, Wake and Johnston counties.

Agencies elsewhere would have to make a specific request. Angier personnel would conduct the search and provide relevant information rather than giving those agencies direct access to the town’s system.

According to The Daily Record, commissioners expressed concern after learning that access previously granted to outside agencies was not always removed and could remain active indefinitely.

Police are also proposing system audits every two weeks. Those reviews would examine who conducted searches, what was searched and whether an associated case number was provided.

Commissioners discussed whether the town manager should provide another layer of oversight by independently reviewing activity or receiving regular audit reports.

The town currently keeps vehicle images for 30 days.

North Carolina law generally permits automated license plate reader data to be retained for as long as 90 days, but commissioners discussed shortening Angier’s retention period to seven or 15 days.

Police officials recommended keeping the current 30-day period, arguing some investigations do not develop quickly enough for a shorter window.

Helms said several days can pass before a report reaches an investigator, and additional time may be needed before witnesses or other evidence identify a vehicle of interest.

Officers using the system would also be required to complete Flock training, receive supervisory instruction and review the department’s license plate reader policy.

All Angier officers currently have access to the system because patrol officers are expected to handle preliminary investigative work.

Helms also said the system includes an automated auditing feature capable of flagging certain searches for additional review.

North Carolina law requires agencies using automated license plate readers to have written policies covering issues including retention, data sharing, training, security, oversight and auditing.

Angier already has such a policy, but town officials said it should be updated as use of the technology and public concerns evolve.

The discussion follows months of criticism from some Angier residents.

The Daily Record reported 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.

Seay also raised constitutional concerns and referenced a recent federal court ruling in Oklahoma involving a warrantless search of historical automated license plate reader records.

Commissioners are expected to continue the discussion before potentially considering policy changes in November.