GRAFTON, MA — Grafton's automated license plate-reading cameras remain in place but are no longer capturing images, Police Chief Neil Minardi said Tuesday.
All Flock Safety devices in the town's network were decommissioned at about 11:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Minardi said. The chief is periodically checking the system to confirm the cameras are not capturing or recording images.
Minardi said he is also seeking a timeline from Flock officials for physically removing the cameras and associated equipment. The department will release that information publicly when it becomes available.
Grafton is among several Massachusetts communities that have terminated or suspended agreements with Flock amid debate over privacy, data access, and safeguards against misuse.
See Also: License Plate Tracking Debate Rages Across MA As Cities, Towns Turn Off Cameras
Grafton police previously cited vandalism and theft involving the devices, along with growing community concerns about the technology, as reasons for deactivating the cameras.
Other communities that have ended or suspended Flock contracts include Salem, Littleton, Douglas, East Bridgewater, Stow and New Bedford. The statewide debate has included concerns about data storage, possible access by federal agencies and instances in which audits identified potentially improper searches by police personnel.
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