Second Rhode Island town scraps Flock cameras after privacy concerns mount

Narragansett, a small community in Rhode Island, has become the second town in the state to decide Flock Safety cameras are not worth the privacy tradeoff, voting unanimously to end its contract and remove four camera units as concerns about vehicle surveillance continue to grow.

What happened?

According to Independent RI, after a public dispute over Flock Safety's camera network, Narragansett officials decided to end the program. The system photographs license plates and gives police access to a searchable database.

While the town's council members initially considered a pause of Flock's services in the region, the outlet reported a contract had already been renewed with the company automatically for another two years. Council members said that left them choosing between keeping the cameras or canceling the deal and paying penalties.

Police Chief Kyle Rekas argued the cameras should stay. "Flock is a valuable law enforcement tool across Rhode Island and across the country," he said, as reported by the Independent RI, adding that officers have cited cases involving missing children, endangered adults, victims of violent crime, and stolen cars.

Town Manager James Tierney, a former police officer, backed the system as well. However, council members decided to end the contract, citing public security concerns. 

Why does it matter?

The dispute highlights a broader question about public safety technology and how much information communities are willing to collect about ordinary drivers.

Opponents say Flock's automatic cameras capture more identifying information than advocates claim. They said, as reported by the outlet, the cameras also create records of where vehicles have been seen. In Narragansett, criticism extended beyond plate scanning itself to images that could show bumper stickers, dents, and other identifying details.

Opponents claim these identifying details are an invasion of public privacy. 

The vote means Narragansett will take down its four cameras. The decision follows another move in South Kingstown that also saw the end of its Flock partnership. 

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