Flock Cameras Shut Down in New Bedford Following Officer’s Suspension and Audit

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Those who wanted automated license plate reader cameras used by New Bedford Police to “Flock off” have got their wish – at least for now. The cameras will be temporarily turned off amidst public privacy concerns and after an officer was placed on administrative leave after internal investigations were opened following technology audits.

New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody announced this afternoon that the department “will temporarily suspend its use of Flock Safety technology as it conducts a thorough review of the department’s use of the technology and how to best ensure its secure use going forward.”

The review will “examine Flock’s use in past criminal investigations and assess the technology’s role in supporting public safety,” according to a police press release. “The department will also explore best practices and work with elected officials, partners, and the public to develop more effective policies and procedures for its use.”

“Our responsibility is to ensure that any technology used by the department supports public safety while protecting the members of the community we serve," Chief Thody said.

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The release stated that “based on recent technology audits, internal investigations have been opened, and one officer has been placed on administrative leave.” Police said the investigations remain active and no further information will be released at this time, and declined to specify if the technology in question was specifically Flock Safety.

However, the New Bedford Light reported Tuesday that the Patrol Officer Emily Pacheco was accused by an ex-girlfriend of using Flock license plate readers to track her.

Background on New Bedford's Flock Safety Rollout

New Bedford Police first acquired Flock Safety technology in 2024, under former chief Paul Oliveira, and had been using it without much public outcry until earlier this year, as anti-Flock sentiment began to spread across the internet and into the community.

Public Backlash and Community Concerns

That led to the department putting out an FAQ about its use of Flock technology back in June, which led to more concerns. On July 28, Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette and Councilor at Large Ian Abreu held a public meeting at Pulaski School to discuss the use of Flock cameras, with Thody and other guests. The meeting became quite heated, with Thody promising a thorough review of the technology.

READ MORE: New Bedford Police Release FAQ Over Use of Flock Cameras

Councilor Choquette and Councilor at Large Shane Burgo then both filed motions with the New Bedford City Council to either require or at least consider the suspension of the use of the city's 20 Flock Safety cameras.

Next Steps for New Bedford Police Oversight

Thody is now directing a review of how the technology has been used since it was first acquired. “The review will help the department better understand how Flock has been utilized and determine whether, and under what circumstances, the department should continue using the technology in the future,” according to the release.

READ MORE: Flock Technology Used to Arrest Juvenile in Shots Fired Incident

"Flock can be a valuable investigative tool, but we also recognize that technologies like this raise legitimate questions about privacy, access, information sharing, and oversight,” Thody said. “We need to make sure that if we continue using this technology, we do so responsibly and in a way that serves the public. This and other emerging technologies can have positive impacts on safety, but must be implemented with caution and due diligence."

Police said the review has already begun, and that the temporary suspension of the Flock technology “will take effect this week.” More information will be released once the review is complete.

In the meantime, Councilor at Large Brian Gomes, who chairs the council's Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, plans to request the reactivation of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. The NBPD did not renew its contract with ShotSpotter once it ended on June 30, 2026.

What City Councilors Are Saying About the Suspension of Flock Cameras

Councilor at Large Ian Abreu:

“I support Chief Thody’s decision to temporarily suspend the Flock cameras and take a step back to review how the system is being used. The concerns raised by residents are legitimate, particularly when it comes to privacy, data sharing, and oversight, and I believe they deserve to be heard and addressed.”

Councilor at Large Shane Burgo:

“I’m glad to see the Mitchell administration moving in the right direction by temporarily suspending the use of Flock technology. Given the serious questions that have been raised about privacy, oversight, access, and how this technology was being used, a pause is certainly better than continuing business as usual.

But a temporary suspension is not a termination of the contract. That is why the City Council’s actions scheduled for August 20th will still move forward.

The issue before us is bigger than whether Flock cameras are operating today. We now know that a contract involving this technology was entered into by the administration without the approval, oversight, or involvement of the City Council. That is a serious issue of accountability and proper municipal governance that cannot simply disappear because operations have temporarily been suspended.

Frankly, I am concerned that a temporary suspension could become an attempt to give the public the appearance that their concerns have been heard, only for the technology to quietly return once the attention surrounding this issue fades. I hope that is not what happens, but we have a responsibility as elected officials to make sure it doesn’t.

We cannot simply allow this contract to remain in place as the status quo and hope that a temporary pause resolves the underlying problems.

If the administration truly believes that Flock can have a legitimate role in public safety, then it should be willing to bring the matter before the City Council, be transparent about the existing contract and its terms, answer the questions that have been raised, and establish clear policies and safeguards with public and legislative oversight before any consideration is given to resuming its use.

So yes, I’m glad we are moving in the right direction. But a suspension is a first step, not the finish line.”

Councilor at Large and Public Safety Committee Chair Brian Gomes:

“As you know, I have been a supporter of camera surveillance and have been a strong advocate of bringing cameras to the city. I believe that the suspension of these cameras for the time being until we can work out the logistics on exactly who and how these cameras will be used and authorized. I will be asking at the next City Council meeting for the ShotSpotter system to be reactivated.”