Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee — September 9, 2026

The New Bedford City Council Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods met on September 9, 2026, to discuss two motions regarding the city's use of Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras and law enforcement surveillance technology. Police Chief Jason Thody presented an overview of the ALPR system, addressing recent internal audit findings that revealed instances of improper use by police personnel. He emphasized that the system was currently suspended and outlined proposed safeguards, including reducing data retention from 30 to 14 (or 7) days, instituting documented reasonable suspicion standards for searches, mandatory annual training, restricting access to supervisors and detectives rather than widespread department logins, and conducting regular audits through the Professional Standards Unit.

Councillors questioned Chief Thody regarding vendor oversight, the upcoming expiration of the Flock contract on November 12, the removal of two cameras (including one obnoxiously close to a residence and another on private property), and the involvement of the IT department and outside auditing bodies. Representatives from Flock Safety did not attend due to scheduling constraints. The committee also heard brief testimony from Police Union President Lorenzo Gonzalez regarding the impact of surveillance technology on staffing and community policing. Ultimately, the committee voted to table both motions until Chief Thody completes his public working group process and formulates formal policy recommendations.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.