NEW BEDFORD, MA — New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody has announced that the New Bedford Police Department will temporarily suspend its use of Flock Safety technology while the department conducts a thorough review of its use of the system and determines how to best ensure its secure and responsible use going forward.
The announcement follows reporting and inquiries by The New Bedford Light concerning allegations that a New Bedford patrol officer used the Flock system to track her ex-girlfriend. According to The Light, the newspaper first contacted the department regarding the allegations on Monday and followed up Tuesday after obtaining detailed court records related to the matter. These abuses have been well documented in dozens of other departments across the country.
The New Bedford Police Department acquired Flock Safety technology in 2024, prior to Chief Thody’s tenure, as an additional tool to support public safety and assist with criminal investigations. Chief Thody has now directed a comprehensive review of how the technology has been used since its acquisition.
The review will help the department better understand how Flock has been utilized and determine whether, and under what circumstances, the department should continue using the technology in the future.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any technology used by the department supports public safety while protecting the members of the community we serve,” said Chief Thody. “Flock can be a valuable investigative tool, but we also recognize that technologies like this raise legitimate questions about privacy, access, information sharing, and oversight. We need to make sure that if we continue using this technology, we do so responsibly and in a way that serves the public. This and other emerging technologies can have positive impacts on safety, but must be implemented with caution and due diligence.”
As part of the review, the department will examine Flock’s use in past criminal investigations and assess the technology’s role in supporting public safety. The department will also explore best practices and work with elected officials, community partners, and members of the public to develop more effective policies and procedures governing its use.
The department can also confirm that, based on recent technology audits, internal investigations have been opened and one officer has been placed on administrative leave. The investigations remain active, and no further information will be released at this time.
The department has begun the review process, and the temporary suspension of Flock Safety technology will take effect this week.
The New Bedford Police Department recognizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and appropriate safeguards when using emerging technologies. The department will provide additional information when it is appropriate to do so and consistent with the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
Credit: Reporting and court-record research by The New Bedford Light prompted inquiries to the department regarding allegations involving the use of the Flock Safety system.
