EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins announces that the East Bridgewater Police Department will terminate its contract with Flock Safety following a through review prompted by concerns from community members.
The department recently began the process of adding four Flock automated license plate reader cameras in town. One camera was installed, but the system had not become fully operational when Chief Jenkins paused the project to allow for further review and public discussion.
The department has not identified any misuse of the system or its data by an East Bridgewater police officer or employee.
The department recognizes the concerns raised locally and nationally about privacy, data access, oversight, safeguards and the potential for misuse. After considering those concerns and the community response to the proposed system, Chief Jenkins determined that terminating the contract would be in the town’s best interest.
“ALPR technology can be a valuable public safety tool, and we believed this system could help our officers investigate crimes and locate people in danger,” Chief Jenkins said. “However, any technology we use must have the confidence of the community. Residents have raised legitimate questions about privacy, access to data, oversight and the safeguards needed to prevent misuse. After listening to those concerns and taking a closer look at the issue, I believe ending our agreement with Flock is the right decision for East Bridgewater.”
The department will work with Flock Safety to terminate the agreement and remove the camera that has already been installed.
Any future consideration of ALPR technology would include a careful review of the technology, its policies and safeguards, as well as an open discussion with the community.
“This decision is not a judgment on the potential value of ALPR technology,” Chief Jenkins said. “It is an acknowledgment that we need to weigh that value against the concerns surrounding its use. If we consider this technology again, it will be through a transparent process that gives the public a clear understanding of what is being proposed and how their information would be protected.”
Chief Jenkins thanks the residents who took the time to learn about the proposal and share their views with the department.
“Our officers will continue using their training, experience and available investigative resources to protect this community,” Chief Jenkins said. “Technology can assist that work, but public trust must remain at the center of every decision we make.”
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