SPRINGFIELD – In order to provide law enforcement with more technology to identify and enable them to solve crimes, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) championed a measure through the Senate to permit them to use images from expressway cameras when investigating criminal offenses.
“Camera technology helps solve crimes committed on Lake Shore Drive. Not having a means to identify perpetrators needs to come to an end,” Feigenholtz said. “We must provide our police officers with more resources to close crimes and this is one way we can do it.”
House Bill 260 would allow any municipal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in addition to Cook County expressways, the ability to use images from expressway cameras to investigate shootings, carjackings, terrorism and forcible felonies. The measure would require the agencies to create a webpage with details about the program objectives and counties where the program is operational.
“Technology will help law enforcement help solve crimes and improve clearance rates,” Feigenholtz said. “Providing law enforcement officials with every tool will help keep our communities safer.”
House Bill 260 passed the Senate and heads to the House for concurrence.