Tiverton pauses Flock camera expansion during state review

31 August 2026.

Tiverton is pausing its expansion of license plate reader cameras following Governor Dan McKee's August 18 call for a statewide 60-day review of automated license plate reader technology. The town council had approved four new Flock cameras on July 27, but the contract remained unsigned as of August 28. Two existing Flock cameras in Tiverton continue operating, along with two Rhode Island State Police cameras in the town.

Governor McKee stated that the review aims to develop statewide standards balancing public safety and privacy concerns. However, only the Rhode Island Legislature can mandate how municipalities use these cameras. Town Solicitor Michael Marcello expects the state's response to take the form of guidance or best practices rather than binding requirements.

Marcello had been negotiating the contract terms and secured a clause allowing Tiverton to exit if a data breach occurs. The council's July 27 vote pre-approved a new contract subject to the solicitor's review, giving him discretion over final terms without requiring another council vote. Councilor Michael Berk expressed concern that the vote occurred when several members were absent, particularly those with prior reservations.

Flock Safety has recently updated its policies, reducing data retention from 30 to seven days and implementing audit requirements and multi-factor authentication. The Rhode Island General Assembly does not reconvene until January, when it could potentially enact new camera regulations. Legal questions remain about whether new state laws would apply to contracts already signed before such legislation takes effect.

Readers can check whether their own municipalities have paused camera expansions or scheduled contract votes following similar state directives.

Read the original reporting: Fall River Herald News.