Sikeston, Mo -- (WSIL) -- The Illinois legislature recently passed , expanding the definition of forcible felony to include human trafficking and involuntary servitude.
This legislative change will allow Illinois police to use images from automated license plate readers, or Flock camera systems, to investigate these crimes.
Flock cameras are often installed along expressways or transit points, placing them along prime routes for travelers.
Across Illinois state lines, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety also utilizes Flock cameras.
While the Missouri legislature does not specify their use for human trafficking, officials highlight the effectiveness of these cameras in solving cases like stolen vehicles and missing persons investigations.
"At our department we've used them to track homicide suspects into other states. Also, if we're trying to put a timeline together for a missing person or a stolen vehicle or just kind of a timeframe for when a crime was committed," said Sgt. Tyler Rowe, Public Information Officer of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.
Multiple agencies that utilize the flock system can collaborate across cities and even state lines to locate vehicles based on license plate numbers and any identifiers like damage or stickers.
"It really increases our chances of locating suspects or persons of interest through the Flock system," Rowe said.
Officials with the Illinois State Police stated that the signing of this bill would add automated license plate recognition systems to three more counties in northern Illinois, including Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties.
The bill is currently pending Gov. Pritzker's signature, which would enable the use of this technology to combat human trafficking cases in Illinois.
