Marshall County Commissioner Calls for Renewed Vote
A debate over government surveillance resurfaced this week in Marshall County after Commissioner Jesse Bohannon again urged local lawmakers to consider banning Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Bohannon previously voted against adopting the system before installation and now says recent developments warrant another review. (Source: WNDU reporting by Emma Bratt, Dec. 4, 2025)
According to WNDU, Bohannon pointed to a recent court ruling in Oregon involving a public records request for ALPR images and data. He said the dispute highlights concerns about how much information is collected and who may ultimately gain access to it.
How Flock Cameras Work
As WNDU explains, Flock cameras collect more than plate numbers. They record vehicle make, model, and color, along with bumper stickers and distinguishing features. The cameras run continuously and store data on vehicles even when drivers have not violated any law.
Typical placements include roadside poles, traffic structures, or solar-powered mounts. Through Flock’s national network, law enforcement agencies across the country can access shared vehicle-location records.
Constitutional Concerns
Bohannon expressed worry about how widely the data can be accessed, noting that agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are able to obtain information shared through the network.
He told WNDU: “When folks are not suspected of a crime, I don’t think it’s a good idea to just be gathering mass amounts of data on every citizen.” He argued that government should prioritize liberty and cautioned against collecting detailed information on residents without specific suspicion.
Local Authority and Community Response
Although ALPRs are legal in Indiana and have been upheld as constitutional, local jurisdictions are free to restrict or ban their use. WNDU reports that Marshall County commissioners have the authority to decide whether Flock cameras remain in operation.
Bohannon said he has heard from more residents who oppose the system than support it, and he hopes commissioners will bring the issue back for a formal vote.
Why This Matters in Indiana
Indiana has no statewide law governing ALPR data retention, deletion timelines, access controls, sharing limits, or transparency requirements. Agencies may store location data indefinitely, share it widely, or access it without uniform statewide rules. Local decisions like the one emerging in Marshall County currently serve as the only mechanism for oversight.
Eyes Off Indiana’s Position
Eyes Off Indiana supports implementing statewide safeguards that include:
- Short retention periods for non-relevant vehicle data,
- Probable-cause standards for historical searches,
- Clear access controls and cybersecurity requirements,
- Public reporting and independent audits,
- A prohibition on commercial or third-party sharing.
These measures protect both safety and civil liberties by limiting unnecessary long-term tracking and reducing the risk of misuse.
Take Action
Help establish statewide privacy protections for ALPR systems in Indiana: