Lake Forest and Lake Bluff voters will choose a Lake County sheriff Nov. 3, with the candidates offering different perspectives on license plate reader cameras and government surveillance.
Democratic incumbent John Idleburg defends the Flock Safety camera contract as a crime-solving tool with strict safeguards. Republican challenger Roman Buchberger says he has "great concerns" about government abuse of the technology, as Patch first reported Oct. 21.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office handles countywide criminal investigations, jail administration and court security, including in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. The office employs more than 500 sworn and civilian personnel.
The contract
The Lake County Board approved a two-year, $90,000 contract in March 2024 to purchase 15 Flock Safety cameras for the Sheriff's Office. The money came from the Sheriff's Asset Forfeiture Fund, not additional taxpayer dollars, according to Patch's reporting.
At the time, more than 20 Lake County municipalities were already using the technology, with more than 260 cameras operating countywide, according to the Sheriff's Office. Whether Lake Forest or Lake Bluff are among those municipalities is not specified in available records.
The cameras capture images of passing vehicles and record license plate numbers, locations and timestamps. Law enforcement can search that data during criminal investigations.
Idleburg: oversight makes cameras worth it
Idleburg, who has served as sheriff since 2018 and is seeking a third term, said the cameras have helped investigators solve crimes including vehicle thefts, kidnappings and murders.
"Automated license plate readers are an incredibly powerful investigative tool," Idleburg wrote in his questionnaire submitted to Patch. He added that the power carries responsibility.
Idleburg said the Sheriff's Office has established a restrictive policy governing access to the system. Searches require a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and the department maintains activity records and conducts regular audits. Employees who misuse the technology could face discipline, termination or criminal prosecution, he said.
He said law enforcement agencies should be transparent about how the cameras are used and should keep listening to residents' concerns.
Buchberger: surveillance abuse risk
Buchberger, a Zion resident with 32 years of law enforcement experience, offered a brief response in his own questionnaire submitted to Patch.
"I have great concerns on the abuse of that technology for government purpose's," Buchberger wrote. He did not elaborate on specific safeguards he would propose or say whether he would end the program.
What's next
The two-year contract's status after March 2026 is not addressed in available public records. The next sheriff will face a decision on whether to renew, expand or end the Flock camera program.
