WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield police have disabled the town's five Flock Safety license plate reader cameras and plan to remove them following concerns from residents about privacy and the potential misuse of the technology.
Police Chief Steven Skory announced the decision following an Oct. 19 Town Council meeting where the department's use of automated license plate readers was discussed.
"While many express their trust in our officers and how we use the system, they are deeply concerned about the technology itself," Skory said in a statement.
The cameras have been in use since 2024. According to Skory, they have helped police solve crimes, recover stolen property and locate missing people.
However, concerns about individual privacy, data security and government overreach prompted the department to reconsider the program.
"Despite the benefits we have experienced from its use, after careful reflection I feel it is in the best interest of the community to discontinue the use of our Flock system," Skory said.
The cameras have already been disabled, and the department will work with Flock Safety to remove the equipment as soon as possible.
Skory defended the department's use of the technology, saying access was restricted to detectives and command staff.
Every vehicle search required an officer's identity, a lawful reason and a Wakefield Police case number. Searches also had to be connected to a legitimate law enforcement purpose, he said.
The chief emphasized that the department had implemented safeguards but recognized that concerns remained despite those protections.
"Use of the network was never intended to become a source of discord in our community," Skory said.
Wakefield joins a growing list of Massachusetts communities that have abandoned the technology.
Wilmington, Sharon and Stoughton have also ended their Flock agreements in recent months. Other communities, including Salem, Grafton and New Bedford, have suspended or terminated agreements amid similar concerns.
The statewide debate has centered on how long vehicle information is stored, who can access it and whether the systems could be misused to track people.
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