2 members of Joliet Police Department on leave for alleged misuse of Flock camera technology

September 5, 2026 - 08:14

Two members of the Joliet Police Department are now on paid leave while the department looks into claims that they misused the city's Flock camera system. Officials confirmed the leave on Tuesday but did not name the officers or specify what kind of misuse they are suspected of.

The Flock system uses automated license plate readers placed around the city to track vehicles in real time. It is meant to help officers locate stolen cars, find suspects in violent crimes, and issue AMBER alerts. The technology is also used to solve cases that might otherwise go cold.

But the system collects a large amount of data on every vehicle that passes by, and that data can be searched by time, location, or plate number. That power comes with strict rules. Police departments that use Flock are supposed to limit access to authorized personnel and only run searches for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

The Joliet Police Department has not said whether the alleged misuse involved running personal plates, sharing data with someone outside the department, or something else entirely. The department's internal affairs unit is handling the investigation. Both officers remain on paid leave while that work continues, which is standard procedure in cases like this.

This is not the first time Flock cameras have caused controversy in the area. Some residents have raised privacy concerns since the cameras were installed, saying they feel like they are being watched all the time. Supporters of the technology say it is a useful tool that helps police do their jobs more effectively.

The department has promised to release more information once the investigation is complete. No timeline has been given for when that might happen.