Fact Check: Illinois Secretary of State Investigates Police Department for Sharing License Plate Data
What We Know
On October 12, 2023, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced an investigation into the Mount Prospect Police Department for allegedly violating state law by sharing data from automatic license-plate readers (ALPR) with a Texas sheriff. This request was made after it was revealed that the Texas sheriff was seeking information about a woman who had undergone a self-administered abortion (AP News, ABC News). The investigation is part of a broader effort to enforce a 2023 law in Illinois that prohibits the distribution of license-plate data for tracking women seeking abortions or undocumented immigrants (NBC Chicago, U.S. News).
The incident highlights concerns that states with restrictive abortion laws might misuse technology to surveil and potentially prosecute women seeking abortions in states like Illinois, where access is more readily available (AP News). Giannoulias emphasized the need for regulation of license plate readers to prevent misuse and protect the privacy of individuals (ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that the Illinois Secretary of State has initiated an investigation into a police department for sharing license plate data is supported by multiple reputable sources. The investigation was prompted by evidence that the Mount Prospect Police Department shared ALPR data with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department in Texas, which was looking for a woman who had an abortion (NBC Chicago, U.S. News).
The Mount Prospect Police Department has stated that they were unaware of the data sharing, claiming it occurred through a national database feature provided by Flock Safety, which allowed other agencies to access their data without a direct agreement (NBC Chicago). This assertion raises questions about the accountability of law enforcement agencies in managing sensitive data and adhering to state laws.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this incident is strong. The Associated Press, ABC News, and NBC Chicago are all established news organizations with a history of reliable reporting. The information provided by these outlets is corroborated by statements from Secretary Giannoulias and the Mount Prospect Police Department, lending further weight to the claim.
However, the Mount Prospect Police Department's defense—that they did not knowingly share data in violation of the law—suggests a potential gap in oversight and communication regarding data management practices. This aspect of the situation warrants further scrutiny, as it reflects broader issues in law enforcement data sharing and privacy concerns.
Conclusion
The claim that the Illinois Secretary of State has requested an investigation into a suburban Chicago police department for sharing license plate data with a Texas sheriff seeking a woman who had an abortion is True. The investigation is based on clear violations of Illinois law regarding the sharing of sensitive data, and the incident underscores significant concerns about the potential misuse of surveillance technology in the context of reproductive rights.
Sources
- Illinois investigates police for sharing license plate data with Texas ...
- Officials investigate license-plate data shared with police for woman ...
- Data shared with Texas officials acquired through national database ...
- Illinois Officials Investigate License-Plate Data Shared With Police ...
- Illinois cops investigated for 'sharing license plate data' with Texas cop...
- Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with police ...
- Illinois license plate cameras used illegally by out-of-state police ...
- Mount Prospect police probed for sharing Illinois license ...
