City Council President Reschedules Halted New Bedford Meeting Following Anti-Flock Disruption

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — After Thursday night’s New Bedford City Council meeting had to be suspended due to an unruly crowd, Council President Ryan Pereira has rescheduled the remainder of the meeting while also expressing his disappointment with the way audience members behaved.

Rescheduled Date Set for Unfinished Business

In a press release, Pereira said the meeting will pick up again on Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. On the agenda will be all of the unfinished business from the August 20 meeting.

During that meeting, the councilors began debate on four motions related to the New Bedford Police Department’s use of Flock Safety cameras, the automated license plate readers that have become controversial as some oppose the infringement on privacy they feel the cameras present.

Controversy Surrounds Flock Safety Cameras

New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody recently announced a suspension of the use of Flock cameras as the department is auditing how they have been used since they were instituted in New Bedford in 2024. This comes after a New Bedford Police officer was accused of using Flock technology to track her ex-girlfriend. That officer has been placed on paid leave while under investigation.

READ MORE: New Bedford Police Suspend Flock Camera Use Amid Privacy Probes

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Tensions Boil Over in Council Chambers

During the councilors’ debate on the topic, the large crowd in attendance at various points were applauding, booing, laughing at and shouting down councilors. All of those actions are banned under the rules of the chamber.

READ MORE: Gomes Addresses Anti-Flock Crowd's Disruption of Meeting

At one point, a 10-minute recess was needed after the crowd had shouted at Councilor Brian Gomes when he had the floor. Even after the recess and a plea from chair by Pereira to follow the rules, the crowd continued its unruly behavior, forcing the suspension of the meeting. You can view the entire ordeal on the City of New Bedford website.

Courtesy City of New Bedford

Council President Pereira Comments on Unruly Crowd

“I am disappointed that the city council was unable to complete its business Thursday evening due to repeated disruptions and a lack of proper decorum,” Pereira said in a statement.

“Public participation is an important part of local government, and residents are encouraged to remain engaged in the process,” he said. “Moving forward, I ask everyone attending our meetings to be respectful and maintain proper decorum so councilors can deliberate openly and conduct the people’s business.”

READ MORE: New Bedford City Council Unanimously Overrides Mayor's Veto of Paid Family Leave Ordinance

“Strong opinions and disagreement are welcome, but they must be expressed in a manner that allows the democratic process to move forward,” Pereira said.