In a move to address growing concerns over personal privacy and the use of automated license plate reader technology, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has called for a statewide pause on the installation of new Flock cameras. This decision follows the approval of four new cameras by the Tiverton Town Council in July, which were set to be installed in the town. The pause comes in the wake of a comprehensive review ordered by the governor to establish new standards for the use of such technology across the state.
Governor McKee emphasized the importance of balancing public safety with the protection of personal privacy, stating, "Public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive. Rhode Island needs clear and consistent rules of the road for this technology." While the governor does not have the authority to compel cities and towns to halt the installation of the cameras, his directive has prompted Tiverton officials to delay the deployment.
The Tiverton Town Council, in a meeting on August 24, followed the state's lead and agreed to postpone the installation of the new Flock cameras. Council President John G. Edwards explained the decision, saying, "I think it would be wise just to follow what the state has asked us to do." The town's contract for the four new cameras, approved by councilors on July 27, has not yet been signed, allowing for this temporary pause.
As of August 28, the two Flock cameras already in operation by the Tiverton police department remain functional. However, the fate of the two Flock cameras owned by the Rhode Island State Police in Tiverton is uncertain, as it appears they may also be subject to the state's review and pause.
Governor McKee's action is part of a broader effort to ensure that the use of Flock cameras and similar technologies complies with strong safeguards to protect public safety and personal privacy. He wrote in a press release, "The state is taking action now to pause further expansion, examine how these systems are being used across the state, and put strong, uniform safeguards in place to protect both public safety and personal privacy."
The decision to delay the new Flock cameras in Tiverton has been met with a mix of support and concern from residents. Some are pleased that the state is taking steps to address privacy concerns, while others are worried about the impact on public safety. The town's Flock vote took place without the full council present, which has raised additional questions about the transparency and inclusivity of the decision-making process.
Town Solicitor Michael Marcello anticipates that the state's guidelines will take the form of guidance or "best practices" rather than legislative changes, which would require approval from the state Legislature. Marcello, who had been in discussions with Flock representatives about a contract, said he was "pretty close" to finalizing the agreement before the state's request for a pause. He also noted that he had convinced Flock representatives to include a clause allowing Tiverton to back out of the agreement in case of a data breach.
The pause in Tiverton's new Flock camera installation is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the use of automated surveillance technology. It highlights the complexities of balancing public safety with privacy concerns and underscores the need for clear and consistent standards across the state. As Rhode Island continues to review and potentially revise its approach to Flock cameras, the future of automated surveillance in the state remains uncertain.
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