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North Providence council delays vote on Flock cameras after ACLU letter, asks police to present policy
Summary
The council paused a planned purchase of license‑plate reader cameras after the ACLU sent a letter and members requested a policy on retention, access and use; the police were asked to present the chief and a sample policy at the next meeting.
The North Providence Town Council postponed action on a proposal to acquire three to four Flock license‑plate reader cameras after members said they had received a letter from the ACLU and wanted a written policy on use and access.
Councilman LaPorteo summarized the public safety presentation given to a subcommittee and said the cameras are license‑plate readers retained for 30 days for investigative use; Council members asked the police chief to appear with a sample policy that explains who may access footage, how it will be used, and what retention and sharing rules will govern it.
Lieutenant Ryan Emerson, who attended the public‑safety presentation, recommended the item be continued so the department can provide fuller details. Councilman McCalla seconded a motion to have the chief present intent, procedures and policy at the next meeting. Several council members voiced support for the idea but asked for strong transparency and restrictions; one member said he opposed the program in principle and wanted safeguards before formal approval.
No cameras were purchased or installed; the item will return to the council with a departmental presentation and a proposed policy.
