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Flock Safety ALPR Cameras 101: Surveillance in Rhode Island

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Last updated on July 31, 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.

Take Action in RI!

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

Narragansett: The Narragansett Town Council will discuss and potentially take action on their current Flock Safety contract at their next meeting on Monday, August 3. Narragansett currently has four Flock Safety ALPR cameras in operation. Residents only: Contact the council and urge them to cancel the Town's contract; you can email them at towncouncil [at] narragansettri.gov, or fill out this form to send a message.

Watch our webinar presentation about ALPRs (Feb 2026)

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 295 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.

Recent updates in RI

South Kingstown residents: The South Kingstown Town Council voted unanimously on Monday, July 27 to cancel their Flock Safety contract! The cameras will be removed from the Town.

Tiverton residents: On Monday, July 27, the Tiverton Town Council voted 1-4 (with three absent) to approve a Flock Safety contract for four cameras subject to the solicitor's review, and the addition of a termination clause. The Council had previously allocated $23k for the cameras in the budget.

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