City of New Bedford Will Not Renew Flock Safety Contract
Article excerpt
Highlighted: the sentence this signal was extracted from
New Bedford will let its contract with Flock Safety for automated license-plate reader cameras expire on November 12. The police department sent written notice of non-renewal on October 8. The cameras have been shut off citywide since August 11. The decision comes one day after Mayor Jon Mitchell fired two officers for misusing the system to track romantic partners. Officer Emily Pacheco searched her former girlfriend's plate more than 650 times and the new partner's plate more than 200 times. Sgt. James Marinelli searched his girlfriend's plate nearly 70 times. Chief Jason Thody recommended the firings after an audit. On October 22 the City Council voted 8-3 to approve an ordinance barring the city from operating or contracting for license-plate readers or similar mass-tracking tools. The measure now goes to Mitchell, who can sign or veto it. He said the administration is developing an alternative approach to balance privacy and public safety, and that Thody will present a proposal to the council. The Ordinance Committee is set to discuss regulations on October 26. Councilor Shane Burgo, who sponsored the restrictive ordinance, has said the city could still use similar technology later if stronger oversight, audits, and training rules are in place. Roughly 20 cameras were operating before the shutdown. The system was adopted quietly in late 2024.
