In a move aimed at balancing public safety with personal privacy, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has called for a temporary halt on the installation of new automated license plate reader cameras, commonly known as Flock cameras, in the state. The governor's decision comes after a growing public concern over the use of such technology.
Tiverton, a city in Rhode Island, was poised to install four new Flock cameras when Governor McKee issued a 60-day review period to establish new statewide standards for the technology. The governor emphasized the need for clear and consistent rules to govern the use of these cameras.
Despite the governor's authority not extending to compelling cities and towns to halt the installation of Flock cameras, the Tiverton Town Council followed suit, heeding McKee's call for a pause. Council President John G. Edwards emphasized the importance of aligning with the state's request, stating, "I think it would be wise just to follow what the state has asked us to do."
The decision to delay the installation comes amidst ongoing debate over the use of Flock cameras, which have been installed in various cities and towns across the state. The cameras, which scan and record license plate numbers, have been used by law enforcement to monitor and deter crime, but they have also raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
As of August 28, the contract for the four new cameras, which had been approved by the councilors on July 27, has not been signed. The two cameras already in operation by the Tiverton police department remain functional, according to Deputy Chief Michael Miguel.
Governor McKee's proclamation stated that the state is taking action to pause further expansion of Flock cameras, 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. Only the state Legislature has the power to make municipalities change the way they use Flock cameras, but the governor's actions suggest a strong push for more stringent guidelines.
Town Solicitor Michael Marcello anticipates that the governor's safeguards will take the form of guidance or "best practices" for cities and towns to follow. "I think solicitors across the state would like to get some state guidance on some of this," Marcello said.
The situation in Tiverton raises questions about the process by which the council approved the new cameras. Councilor Michael Berk expressed concern that the July 27 vote took place while three councilors were absent, suggesting that the item was placed on the agenda knowing that not all members could be present. "It was not something that we had to jump at right away," Berk said.
Governor McKee's decision to call for a pause on Flock cameras in Tiverton is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the use of surveillance technology. As the state reviews its data policies and establishes new standards, it remains to be seen how this will impact the use of Flock cameras and similar technologies across Rhode Island.
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