City of DeKalb Releases License Plate Reader Camera Locations –

DeKalb, IL. (ECWd) –

PRESS RELEASE – Mark Charvat

Per my FOIA, the City of DeKalb has finally released the locations of controversial DeKalb license plate reader cameras.

I filed the FOIA when I discovered that the City of Decatur released the information to a local Decatur newspaper media outlet in 2021. This information was relayed to City of DeKalb officials in my initial FOIA. City of DeKalb officials ignored the actions of the City of Decatur and thought that they did not have to release the same information.

You will recall that my FOIA request that was initially denied by the city, a request for review was then filed with the Illinois AG office, Public Access Councilor (PAC). a PAC ruling from the Illinois Attorney General’s office, the PAC mandated the city release this information to me, against the wishes of City of DeKalb officials. A scathing letter to city officials from the public access councilor was issued which disputed the highly inaccurate claims cited by city officials (see the attached determination letter). The PAC also disputed many of the claims of DeKalb Police Chief Byrd (affidavit attached).

Here is the release of the LPR location information from City of DeKalb officials. Please see the attachments which also includes the strongly worded and precedent setting PAC determination letter from the Illinois AG office.

The (4) exact locations are:

1. Hillcrest and Annie Glidden -(4 cameras)
2. Hillcrest and N 1st Street- (4 cameras)
3. Sycamore Rd cameras located in front of China House and Kishwaukee Country Club- (2 Cameras)
4. Annie Glidden and Lucinda -(2) Cameras

It is my wish that the city comply with citizen and media FOIA’s without fighting the public’s right to information.

Mark Charvat