Ordinance Committee — September 8, 2026

The Committee on Ordinances met on September 8, 2026, to discuss a proposed ordinance regulating automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems and surveillance technologies in the City of New Bedford. The ordinance establishes strict privacy, transparency, public hearing, data governance, and reporting requirements that the city administration must fulfill before entering into, renewing, or modifying contracts for ALPR and surveillance technology. City Council Legal Counsel David Gieratowski answered legal questions regarding council authority, public records law, potential future state red light camera legislation, and definitions of tracking technology.

Police Chief Jason Thody testified before the committee regarding the police department's use of ALPR technology (Flock Safety), explaining that the system had been temporarily suspended following concerns and misuse. Chief Thody indicated support for stricter parameters, including a reduced data retention window of 7 to 14 days, restricted supervisory access, and monthly internal audits by the Professional Standards unit, while confirming he would not turn the system back on until policies and reviews were established. Councillors debated whether to move the ordinance forward immediately to prevent unilateral contract renewals by the mayor or to table the matter for further refinement.

Several motions to table and adjourn were defeated throughout the evening. Proposed amendments by Councillor at Large James Roy to broaden the surveillance technology definition and by Ward 5 Councillor Joseph P. Lopes to set fixed 7-day retention limits and rank-based access restrictions failed. Ultimately, the committee voted 8-3 (with Councillors Naomi R. A. Carney, Brian K. Gomes, and Shawn Oliver opposed) to refer the proposed ALPR ordinance to the full City Council for adoption.

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