The Dartmouth Police Department will not renew its contracts with Flock Safety, ending the town’s use of the automated license-plate reader system.
According to reporting by Dartmouth Week, Police Chief Brian P. Levesque cited privacy concerns and the $20,000 annual cost as factors behind the decision.
“I think what I’m looking to do now is to take a little break from the system, evaluate and see how things play out,” Levesque said.
Five Flock cameras were installed around Dartmouth in 2023, with police saying the system helped investigate crimes including stolen vehicles, sexual assaults, shoplifting and breaking and entering. Department audits found no cases of misuse.
Still, privacy concerns surrounding the technology and its nationwide data access prompted debate among residents and Select Board members.
Select Board member Nathan Silva summed up the issue:
“I think the technology outpaces the ability to regulate.”
The contracts for the five stationary cameras expire Sept. 29, while the department’s mobile Flock camera contract has already expired.
Source: Dartmouth Week
