The East Bridgewater Police Department plans to implement four Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras to assist in criminal investigations, locate missing persons, recover stolen vehicles, and enhance public safety. This page explains how the technology works, how it is governed, and the safeguards in place to protect privacy.
The portal will be updated as the cameras are installed and become operational.
Policy Summary
The East Bridgewater Police Department plans to use Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology solely to support legitimate law enforcement and public safety operations. The system captures images of license plates and observable vehicle characteristics, including make, model, color, body style, and the date, time, and location where a vehicle passes an ALPR camera. It does not use facial recognition technology, identify drivers or passengers, collect personal information about vehicle occupants, record conversations, or issue traffic citations.
ALPR data may be accessed only by authorized personnel for official law enforcement purposes, including locating stolen vehicles, assisting with missing person investigations, identifying vehicles associated with wanted individuals, supporting criminal investigations, and enhancing officer safety. Every search is electronically logged and subject to supervisory review and audit. Unauthorized access or misuse of the system is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action or criminal penalties.
The Department prohibits the use of ALPR technology for personal reasons, harassment or intimidation, discrimination based on a protected characteristic, monitoring individuals engaged in constitutionally protected activities, or any purpose unrelated to legitimate law enforcement. ALPR data is retained for 30 days unless it must be preserved as part of an active criminal investigation or as otherwise required by law.
Click here for the East Bridgewater Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader Policy.
A Message From Chief Jenkins
Since announcing that the East Bridgewater Police Department will be implementing Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology with the support of the Select Board and Town Administration, I have received both positive feedback and criticism from members of the community. I welcome those conversations because I understand that privacy is an issue people care deeply about.
As both the Chief of Police and a resident who has called East Bridgewater home for more than 30 years, I care deeply about this community. I raised my family here, and like everyone else, I value the constitutional rights and privacy of our residents. Those principles have guided me throughout my career and were central to our decision-making process when evaluating this technology.
I’ve been following the discussion surrounding Flock cameras nationwide, and I understand why some people have concerns. However, I also believe much of the conversation has been driven by misconceptions about what this technology does and what it does not do.
The reality is that when we are in public, we are recorded far more often than most people realize. Store security cameras, parking lot surveillance systems, home security and doorbell cameras, dashboard cameras, traffic cameras, and even cell phones routinely capture activity occurring in public spaces.
Flock cameras have become the focus of a much larger conversation about privacy and technology, but they are only one small part of a world that is already filled with cameras. Unlike red-light or speed cameras, Flock cameras are not designed to issue citations or generate revenue. Their purpose is to help law enforcement locate missing or endangered persons, recover stolen vehicles, and identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations.
It is fair and appropriate to ask questions about how any law enforcement technology is used. Accountability is essential. But it is equally important that those conversations are based on facts rather than assumptions.
Flock cameras capture license plate information and visible vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, color, and direction of travel. They do not use facial recognition technology, they do not identify drivers or passengers, and they do not monitor the daily activities of law-abiding residents. Every search conducted by our department will be governed by a written policy, limited to authorized law enforcement purposes, recorded through a comprehensive audit trail, and subject to supervisory review.
Technology has changed our expectations of privacy in public over the past several decades. Whether we like it or not, cameras have become part of everyday life. The question is no longer whether technology exists, but whether it is used responsibly.
That is why the East Bridgewater Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and strong oversight. We have published our ALPR policy and will be launching our public Transparency Portal to ensure that our use of this technology is consistent with both the law and the trust our community places in us.
Reasonable people may disagree about where to draw the line between privacy and public safety, and I respect those differing viewpoints. My responsibility as Chief is to ensure that the tools we use are lawful, effective, and accompanied by meaningful safeguards that protect both public safety and individual liberty.
At the end of the day, I believe we can embrace technology that helps locate missing children, recover stolen vehicles, and solve serious crimes while insisting it is used transparently, responsibly, and with appropriate oversight. That is the balance we are committed to maintaining, and I believe that is what the residents of East Bridgewater expect from their Police Department.
– Chief Michael Jenkins
Privacy Safeguards
The System DOES:
✅ Read license plates
✅ Record vehicle characteristics
✅ Assist criminal investigations
✅ Automatically log every search
The System DOES NOT:
🚫 Use facial recognition
🚫 Record identities of drivers or passengers
🚫 Listen to conversations or record video inside vehicles
🚫 Issue speeding tickets or enforce traffic violations
Flock Success Stories
Canton, Massachusetts – Child Safely Recovered
Canton Police used Flock technology during a parental kidnapping investigation to locate the suspect vehicle quickly, leading to the safe recovery of the child and the arrest of the suspect.
Framingham, Massachusetts – Shooting Investigation
After a shooting in a neighboring community, Framingham Police received a Flock alert on the suspect vehicle. Officers located the vehicle, recovered a loaded firearm and ammunition, and took the suspect into custody.
Colorado – Six Abducted Children Safely Recovered
One of the most compelling examples occurred in Colorado, where agencies using Flock ALPR technology helped locate six abducted children in a five-month period. In several cases, AMBER Alerts were active, and officers were able to quickly identify the suspect vehicle and recover the children safely.
Baytown, Texas – Armed Kidnapping Suspect Arrested in Minutes
After an armed robbery and kidnapping, a Flock alert identified the suspect vehicle almost immediately. Officers coordinated a rapid response, safely rescued the victim, and apprehended the suspect within approximately 30 minutes.
Westminster, California – Triple Homicide Investigation
Detectives began with only a grainy surveillance image of a blue sedan. By combining surveillance footage with Flock ALPR data, investigators identified the suspect vehicle and ultimately made three arrests in a homicide investigation.
Atlanta, Georgia – Murder Investigation Solved
An Atlanta detective used ALPR data to identify inconsistencies involving a suspect vehicle, helping solve a daylight homicide that otherwise had limited investigative leads.
Multi-State Luxury Auto Theft Ring ($1.5 Million)
Law enforcement agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina used Flock data to identify, track, and dismantle a luxury vehicle theft organization responsible for approximately $1.5 million in stolen vehicles.
Columbia, Missouri – AMBER Alert Recovery
A stolen vehicle containing two toddlers triggered an AMBER Alert. A Flock camera detected the vehicle within minutes, allowing officers to direct state troopers to its location. Both children recovered safely, and the suspect was arrested.
Savannah, Georgia – Missing Elderly Woman Found
An elderly woman suffering from cognitive issues disappeared while driving. Flock cameras tracked her vehicle as it traveled through multiple jurisdictions, allowing officers to coordinate a safe recovery within hours.
Dutchess County, New York – Double Homicide
Investigators used Flock data to identify the suspect vehicle, establish a timeline of movements before and after the murders, recover critical evidence, and strengthen the prosecution in a double homicide case.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond individual cases, agencies nationwide report measurable investigative value:
- More than 1 million investigations were assisted by Flock technology in 2025.
- Participating agencies estimated Flock contributed to approximately 20% of their cleared criminal cases.
- More than 10,000 missing persons were located in a single year.
- More than 40% of agencies reported Flock helped recover at least half of their stolen vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)?
A Flock Safety ALPR is a camera system that captures license plate information and visible vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, color, and direction of travel. It is an investigative tool that helps law enforcement locate vehicles associated with criminal activity, recover stolen vehicles, and locate missing or endangered persons.
Why is the East Bridgewater Police Department implementing this technology?
The Department is implementing ALPR technology to enhance public safety by providing officers with timely investigative information that can assist in criminal investigations, locate missing or endangered persons, recover stolen vehicles, and identify vehicles connected to serious crimes.
How is this program funded?
The program is funded entirely through the U.S. Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program using federal asset forfeiture funds earned through the East Bridgewater Police Department’s partnership with the FBI Metro Boston Gang Task Force. No Town tax dollars were used.
What are federal equitable sharing funds?
These are funds derived from assets lawfully forfeited during criminal investigations conducted in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies. By law, these funds are restricted to approved law enforcement purposes and cannot be used for general municipal operations or unrelated expenses.
Does the system use facial recognition?
No. The system does not use facial recognition technology and does not identify drivers or passengers.
What information is captured?
- License plate number
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- Vehicle color
- Vehicle type
- Other observable identifying characteristics
What is the system used for?
- Recovering stolen vehicles
- Locating missing persons
- Locating wanted individuals
- Investigating serious crimes
- Developing investigative leads
- Supporting officer safety
Does the system issue traffic tickets?
No. Flock Safety cameras are not red-light cameras or speed enforcement cameras. They are not used to issue traffic citations or generate revenue.
Who can access the system?
Only authorized law enforcement personnel who have been trained and certified on the Department’s ALPR policy and the proper use of the system.
Is every search recorded?
Yes. Every search creates an audit record documenting:
- The user conducting the search
- The date and time
- The reason for the search
Supervisors regularly review these audit logs to ensure compliance with Department policy.
What happens if someone misuses the system?
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Misuse may result in disciplinary action, loss of access privileges, and, when appropriate, criminal prosecution.
How long is data retained?
ALPR data is retained for 30 days, unless otherwise required as part of an active criminal investigation or as otherwise required by law.
Yes. Information may be shared with authorized law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes, consistent with Department policy and applicable law.
Are the camera locations public?
Yes. The Department is committed to transparency and will make camera locations publicly available.
Who oversees the program?
The ALPR program is overseen by Department leadership, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with Department policy, conducting audits, and maintaining accountability.
Why not rely on traditional police work?
ALPR technology does not replace traditional police work — it enhances it. Officers still investigate crimes, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and verify information through official law enforcement databases. ALPR technology simply provides another investigative lead that can save valuable time.
Are there privacy protections?
Yes. The Department recognizes the importance of protecting individual privacy.
Safeguards include:
- A written Department policy
- Limited authorized uses
- User training
- Supervisory oversight
- Audit logs for every search
- Restricted access
- Public transparency regarding program operations
Are there other cameras that already capture activity in public places?
Yes. Cameras are already a common part of everyday life. Businesses, schools, municipalities, and many residents use security systems and doorbell cameras that capture activity occurring in public spaces.
The difference is that the Department’s use of ALPR technology is governed by written policies, restricted to authorized law enforcement purposes, subject to auditing, and overseen by Department leadership.
Can I read the Department’s ALPR policy?
Yes. Click here for the East Bridgewater Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader Policy.
Who can I contact with questions?
Residents are encouraged to contact the East Bridgewater Police Department with any questions regarding the ALPR program, Department policy, or the use of this technology.
The East Bridgewater Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting both public safety and individual privacy.
Statement Regarding Damage or Tampering with ALPR Equipment
The East Bridgewater Police Department recognizes that residents may have questions or concerns regarding Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology. Public discussion and respectful disagreement are an important part of a healthy community.
However, intentionally damaging, disabling, stealing, or tampering with public safety equipment is not a form of protected expression. It is a criminal offense.
Across the country, law enforcement agencies have experienced incidents where ALPR cameras have been vandalized or destroyed. In many cases, individuals responsible have faced criminal charges, including felony charges depending on the extent of the damage and applicable state law.
The East Bridgewater Police Department respects every person’s right to voice their opinion, participate in public discussion, and question government decisions. Those conversations are important and encouraged.
At the same time, equipment purchased and deployed to support public safety is public property. Damage to that equipment impacts the community, creates unnecessary costs, and may prevent officers from using a tool intended to assist with legitimate investigations, locate missing persons, recover stolen vehicles, and help protect residents.
The Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible use of this technology. Questions and concerns should be directed through appropriate channels, including public meetings, written correspondence, and community discussions — not through criminal acts.
Respectful dialogue strengthens our community. Destruction of public property does not.