South Kingstown ends Flock Safety contract, will remove license plate readers

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The South Kingstown Flock Safety cameras will be removed after the Town Council unanimously voted to end the town’s contract with the public safety technology company following widespread concerns over privacy and government surveillance.

The council approved the decision Monday night after hearing from residents and questioning a representative from Flock Safety about how the automated license plate reader (ALPR) system collects and stores data.

Residents raised privacy concerns

Council members said they received hundreds of emails from residents expressing concerns about the cameras. Many questioned how the data could be used, whether it could be misused, and if it could eventually be accessed for federal immigration enforcement.

Councilor Michael Marran said the availability of the technology did not necessarily mean the town should use it.

The contract with Flock Safety was originally approved in June 2025. The council’s vote also directs the town to remove the six license plate reader cameras as soon as possible.

Flock Safety responds

Trevor Chandler, a spokesperson for Flock Safety, told council members the company does not have contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also said courts have ruled that automated license plate readers do not violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Chandler added that South Kingstown is not the only community to reconsider the technology. He said other municipalities across the country have also chosen to deactivate their camera systems after similar public discussions.

Town seeking refund

Town officials are also exploring whether they can recover some of the money already paid under the one-year contract. However, it is unclear whether South Kingstown will receive any refund.

The decision comes just weeks after the Little Compton Town Council voted against installing Flock Safety cameras in that community.