Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee Meeting on Flock Safety Cameras – September 9, 2026
Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee Meeting on Flock Safety Cameras – September 9, 2026
The Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:03 PM in City Council Chambers to discuss two motions concerning the City of New Bedford's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The meeting was live-streamed after initial technical difficulties were resolved. Chief of Police Jason Thody presented a comprehensive overview of the technology, acknowledged past misuse, and proposed a framework of enhanced safeguards. The committee also heard from the Police Union President Lorenzo Gonzalez. The meeting was tabled at 8:21 PM pending further input from Flock Safety and development of a working group.
Consent Calendar
- None; the two motions were taken up together.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were made during the meeting.
Discussion Items
- Chief Thody's Presentation: Chief Thody detailed the history of ALPR technology, noting that Flock was acquired in late 2024 and that the department's initial policies and training were insufficient. He emphasized that the technology captures only point-in-time images of license plates and does not include facial recognition, GPS tracking, or interior recording. He cited a recent Bristol County Superior Court ruling (August 18, 2026) that found Flock use in Fall River did not constitute a search under the Fourth Amendment or Article 14. The chief proposed reducing data retention from 30 to 14 days (with Flock recommending 7 days), implementing a reasonable suspicion standard for searches, requiring mandatory annual training, conducting monthly professional standards audits, and imposing zero tolerance for misuse (including termination and referral for prosecution). He also noted that two cameras had been removed—one too close to a residence and one on private property—and that the Flock contract expires on November 12, 2026.
- Councilor Questions: Multiple councilors questioned the chief about the original implementation, training gaps, lack of IT involvement, and the city's ability to audit the vendor. Councilor Burgo highlighted that the IT department had no role, and Councilor Abreu noted that neighboring towns (Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven) have suspended or canceled Flock. Councilor Oliver asked about the timeline for a working group (1-2 months). Councilor Baptiste asked whether the mayor could renew the contract independently; the chief stated he would not renew it in its current form and that the mayor has been supportive. Councilor Abreu asked the Police Union President Lorenzo Gonzalez about potential impacts on manpower and community policing; Gonzalez stated that the human element remains essential for investigation and community trust.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to Table: The committee voted to table both agenda items until a future meeting when Flock Safety representatives can appear and the chief has finalized a policy proposal. The motion was made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Roy, and passed unanimously.
- Next Steps: Chief Thody will continue gathering public input (deadline extended to September 24, 2026), form a working group including council members, community representatives, and department personnel, and present a draft policy within one to two months. The committee expects to invite Flock Safety to a future meeting, noting their eight-week notification schedule.
Meeting Transcript
I don't think there's another design. But you are going to be able to record it. Okay, that's okay. All right. Yeah, so just let me know when you're ready. I don't have to read what it's a mic check just in case. Testing one two testing. Seven o'clock. You ready? Yes. Thank you. No, I didn't actually. I'd like to call this meeting of public safety and neighborhoods for September 9th, 2026. Meeting at 703 in City Council Chambers. Would not be live streaming tonight due to technical difficulties with the MIS, so we're not going to read that into the record. Tonight in the chambers is uh councillor at large, Ian A. Scott Peminton, Wad 2. Lear Shaket, Wad One. James Roy, Counselor at Large, Naomi County, Counselor at Large, and Shane Burgle, Counselor at Large. Um we did have a message from um Councillor Baptist. He's going to be about twenty minutes late, and so is um Council Oliver, and I did have a message from last night from um Ryan did he would also be a few minutes late tonight for tonight's meeting. I have one letter. This one's from Councillor Lopes. I'm writing this letter to inform you that I've unable to attend tonight's committee meeting on public safety and neighborhoods united. Um neighborhoods meeting on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at seven PM due to a prior commitment. I ask that you read this letter into the record to make my colleagues and those in attendance and the public aware of the reason for my absence. Motion received and place on file by Councillor Avery, seconded by Councillor Roy. All in favor? Is there an objection from Councillor Burgle? Item number one, written motion, Councillor Gomes requesting that the committee on public safety and neighborhoods immediately meet with police chief Jason Cloudy, a representative from the mayor's office and a representative from Flock Safety. This meeting is to bring all parties together for the purpose of enhancing policies and procedures and strengthening community trust around the use of these cameras. The policy is transparent with every search being logged and additional safeguards in place, not only to protect the civil rights of citizens, but for the police department as well. It was referred here on August 25th, 2026. Number two. Written motion councils Burgo Lopes and Abraham requesting that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet them with representatives of the New Bedford Police Department, the City Solicitor, the Information Technology Department, and any other appropriate officials to discuss the city's use of law enforcement surveillance technology, including but not limited to automated license plate readings, also known as ALPR systems. Flock safety cameras, public safety camera networks, and all other technologies capable of collecting or retaining data on movement of vehicles or individuals. And further that the committee review the city's policies governing the collection, retention, sharing, security, and deletion of data generated by such technologies. The circumstances under which such data may be accessed or shared with outside law enforcement agencies to safeguards in place to protect residents' constitutional rights and privacy. And whether an additional local policies and public confidence while preserving the legitimate public safety benefits these technologies provide. Motion to receive and place on file. A motion to receive and place on file by Councillor Burgles, seconded by Councillor Connie. All in favor? Oppose the ayes have it. The chief is here. I did invite Flock to this meeting. I don't see anyone here from Flock. It's uh very interesting. We did have um just in Kagan from uh the police department uh along with um Jason Torrey, the chief, and uh representative from the mayor's office. I don't know who is representing the mayor's office. I don't see anybody.
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