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Council approves five community safety cameras with ALPR after police pitch
Summary
The council authorized a three‑year contract for five community safety cameras with automated license‑plate readers to aid crime solving; police described planned camera locations and said the technology will be used to investigate specific vehicle‑involved crimes.
The Newport Police Department won council approval for a three‑year contract to install five community safety cameras with automated license‑plate reading capability (ALPR). Chief Duffy said the cameras are intended to help solve crimes such as hit‑and‑run incidents and targeted investigations.
"These cameras are, for example, if you were to have a pedestrian struck and a vehicle were to flee ... we'd be able to take a look at and to help solve crimes," the chief said when describing the technology and its investigative value. The chief listed proposed locations for the five cameras around the city and said the project mirrors programs in 11 other Rhode Island communities. Councilors asked about timing relative to speed‑zone camera deployments and DOT permitting; police said installations are proceeding and DOT permitting affects some placements.
The council approved the procurement and said the ALPR system will be governed by a policy on authorized law‑enforcement use.
