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Flock Safety ALPR Cameras 101: Surveillance in Rhode Island

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Last updated on August 19, 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 webinar presentation about ALPRs (Feb 2026)

Take Action in RI

Foster residents only: At a meeting on Thursday, August 13, the Foster Town Council said they would discuss and potentially take action on Flock cameras at their meeting on Thursday, September 10. This is your opportunity to contact your councilmembers and let know what you think about these cameras; find their email addresses on Foster's website.

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 280 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 few safeguards around how the data is being used, who can access the data, or how long the data is kept.

Recent updates in RI

Governor McKee's 60-day Camera Installation Pause: As of August 18, the Governor is temporarily pausing the installation of RI State Police ALPR cameras, and for asking municipalities to do the same, while the State Police review privacy policies surrounding the system. The existing Flock Safety systems will continue to be in use. In the meantime, the ACLU of RI will continue to call on cities and towns that have these systems to cancel their contracts with Flock Safety. Read our full statement on the pause.

North Kingstown: The Town Council voted 3-2 on Monday, August 18 to cancel their Flock Safety contract!

Glocester: The Town Council voted 4-1 on Thursday, August 6 to cancel their Flock Safety contract!

Narragansett: The Town Council voted unanimously on Monday, August 3 to cancel their Flock Safety contract!

South Kingstown: The Town Council voted unanimously on Monday, July 27 to cancel their Flock Safety contract!

Tiverton: On Monday, July 27, the Town Council voted 3-1 (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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