East Bridgewater police terminate Flock Safety contract

21 August 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]

East Bridgewater Police Department announced on Friday, August 21, 2026, that it will terminate its contract with Flock Safety. Police Chief Michael Jenkins stated the decision followed a thorough review prompted by community member concerns. The department had paused its plan to install four automated license plate reader cameras around town to allow for further review and public discussion. One camera was installed but the system was not fully operational. No misuse of the system by department members was identified, according to officials.

The community raised questions about privacy protections, data access, oversight mechanisms, and safeguards against misuse. Chief Jenkins acknowledged that while ALPR technology can be a valuable public safety tool for investigating crimes and locating people in danger, the department concluded that public confidence in the system was essential. The police department will work with Flock Safety to remove the installed camera and formally end the agreement.

The termination marks a shift in the department's approach to license plate reader technology. Jenkins indicated that any future consideration of ALPR systems would include a comprehensive review of the technology itself, departmental policies, necessary safeguards, and open community discussion before implementation. This decision reflects the emerging pattern of local law enforcement agencies reassessing automated surveillance tools in response to resident privacy concerns. Residents in other Massachusetts municipalities can check their police department's contract status and renewal dates by reviewing town council agendas and requesting public records on ALPR technology agreements.

Read the original reporting: WJAR.