Tiverton, Rhode Island, has put the brakes on the installation of new Flock cameras following a directive from Governor Dan McKee. The governor called for a 60-day review and the establishment of new statewide standards for the automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. While the governor does not have the authority to compel cities and towns to halt the installation of cameras, his action has prompted local officials to reconsider their plans.
Governor McKee emphasized the need for a balance between public safety and personal privacy in a press release. "Public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive. Rhode Island needs clear and consistent rules of the road for this technology," he stated.
The move follows a growing public concern over the use of Flock cameras and the potential for privacy violations. On August 18, McKee announced the pause, citing the need to examine how the systems are being used across the state and to implement robust safeguards to protect both public safety and individual privacy.
Tiverton Town Council President John G. Edwards echoed the governor's concerns, advocating for a cautious approach. "I think it would be wise just to follow what the state has asked us to do," he said at a recent town council meeting.
As of August 28, the contract for four new Flock cameras, approved by the town council on July 27, has not been signed. The two cameras currently in operation by the Tiverton police department will continue to function during the review period.
The Rhode Island State Police also operates two Flock cameras in Tiverton, which may continue to operate under McKee's proclamation. However, the governor's action is expected to influence the use of Flock cameras across the state, with town solicitors looking to the state for guidance on acceptable practices.
Governor McKee has indicated that the state is taking action to pause further expansion of Flock cameras and to put in place strong, uniform safeguards. "Only the state Legislature can make municipalities change the way they use Flock cameras," he said. "So Tiverton Town Solicitor Michael Marcello expects McKee's safeguards to take the form of guidance or 'best practices.'"
Marcello had been in discussions with Flock representatives prior to the state's request for a pause, and he was close to finalizing a contract for Tiverton. He was able to negotiate a clause allowing Tiverton to back out of the agreement in case of a data breach, a move he views as a crucial safeguard.
The issue of Flock cameras has sparked a contentious debate in Tiverton. Some councilors raised concerns about the process of approving the new cameras, noting that the July 27 vote took place with three councilors absent and without the council having read any draft contracts.
Councilor Michael Berk, who was absent during the vote, expressed his concerns about the process. "I am concerned that this item had been put back on an agenda when most of the council was not here and it was known that they could not be here, especially council members who had expressed concerns about it previously," he said.
Despite the ongoing debate, the decision to delay the installation of new Flock cameras is a significant step in addressing the concerns of privacy advocates and ensuring that the technology is used responsibly. As the state reviews its policies and implements new guidelines, communities like Tiverton will be watching closely to see how the technology evolves.
(0)