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ALPR Flock Safety Cameras 101: Surveillance in Rhode Island

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Last updated on June 26, 2026

Automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras are rapidly being installed in Rhode Island but are virtually unregulated in our state. Many ALPR cameras, such as those made by the brand Flock Safety, are continuously collecting data that can be kept and accessed by law enforcement agencies across the country. In short, we’re being surveilled as we travel through our state. Learn more about ALPR cameras, and what you can do to help protect privacy in our communities.

Watch our recent webinar presentation about ALPRs

Take Action for Privacy!

We'll keep updating this section with action items as cities and towns in RI consider adding or removing ALPR cameras.

Tiverton residents: On June 22, the Tiverton Town Council approved the budget line item of $23,000 to pay for four Flock Safety cameras, but will require the Tiverton police to present their case for these cameras again in a future meeting. Find their email addresses here and contact them before then to urge them to reject these cameras!

Here’s the short version:

  • ALPRs, especially Flock Safety cameras, are capable of capturing much, much more information than regular license plate readers, and most RI police departments can share our data with other states and federal agencies, like ICE.
  • There are at least 240 Flock cameras in RI. (We don't know the exact number because it’s hard to get detailed information from some police departments.) As a result, you can essentially be tracked as you travel across the state.
  • These cameras are virtually unregulated in the state. Without state or local laws, we have very little transparency about how the data is being used, who can access the data, or how long the data is kept.

Related Content

Publication | Letters & Testimony
Jun 3, 2026
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  • Privacy & Technology

LETTER Re: Little Compton Town Council Considers Flock Safety ALPR Camera

This letter was sent to the Little Compton Town Council urging the Council to reject the police department's request to install a Flock Safety brand automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera during their meeting on Thursday, June 4.