Newtown Police Pause Use Of Flock License Plate Readers After Resident Concerns

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown police are pausing the use of the town's static Flock automated license plate readers following resident feedback and a recent Legislative Council meeting, officials announced Friday.

The move follows weeks of debate over the technology in Newtown, including privacy and surveillance concerns raised by residents and members of the Legislative Council.

The Newtown Police Department will pause use while working with elected officials and residents to "establish common ground," Police Chief David Kullgren said in an Aug. 21 letter to residents.

"Following the recent Legislative Council meeting and after careful consideration of resident feedback, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Newtown Police Department wish to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the trust and relationship we share with our community," Kullgren wrote.

During the pause, the department will provide the Board of Police Commissioners with regular documentation verifying that the static ALPRs remain non-operational for law enforcement searches or image collection, according to the letter.

The letter does not specify how long the pause will remain in effect.

"Both the Board of Police Commissioners and the Newtown Police Department remain dedicated to working with our elected leadership to reach a consensus that reflects our community's shared values," Kullgren wrote.

Automated license plate readers use cameras to capture license plates and other vehicle information, which can then be searched by law enforcement as part of investigations.