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Freetown board approves Flock Safety license‑plate readers after privacy concerns discussed
Summary
The Freetown Board of Selectmen voted to allow the city of Fall River’s Flock Safety license‑plate reader cameras at three town road locations after discussing constitutional and privacy concerns and confirming local police access arrangements.
FREETOWN — The Board of Selectmen voted to allow Flock Safety to install license‑plate‑reader (LPR) cameras on High Street, Bell Rock Road and Copa Cut Road following a lengthy discussion about privacy and operational control.
Board members heard that the cameras would be installed on behalf of the city of Fall River but would sit within Freetown’s municipal boundaries; the board was told Fall River would host the data and provide access to Freetown police. Members raised questions about where the images are stored and for how long; staff said the vendor retains plate data only for a short, limited period (staff cited about two weeks), after which it is wiped.
The conversation included concerns about private companies operating law‑enforcement tools and whether public expectations of privacy differ in public locations. The board noted that proponents compare LPRs to residential door cameras that record activity in public view, and that law enforcement uses the technology primarily to identify stolen vehicles or persons with outstanding warrants rather than to monitor ordinary movement.
After the discussion the board moved, seconded and approved a motion to allow Flock Safety to install the LPR cameras at the identified locations and to proceed with arrangements so local police can access the system through Fall River. The board did not set a townwide expansion plan in this vote; members said public reaction would guide any future changes.
The board’s action allows the installation to move forward; officials said they will confirm formal access protocols and retention schedules with Fall River and the vendor.
