New Bedford Faces Privacy Concerns Over Flock Camera Usage Amid Surveillance Debate
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the use of Flock cameras by the police department has sparked a debate over privacy and surveillance. These cameras, which capture and store images of vehicle license plates, have been used to aid investigations. However, with the city discontinuing its contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system, there is concern that reliance on Flock cameras may increase. Currently, New Bedford employs seven standalone Flock cameras, 13 city-owned cameras with Flock technology, and one mobile security trailer. Data from these cameras is deleted after 30 days unless needed for investigations, and is shared with over 100 law enforcement agencies, but not with federal authorities like ICE. City councilman Leo Choquette has proposed a motion to halt the use of these cameras until stricter regulations are established, citing public discomfort with increased surveillance.