Rhode Island officer challenges citywide license-plate-reader rollout and faces internal probes

In late 2023, Pawtucket officer Noel Pichardo discovered a network of Flock Safety license-plate-reader cameras installed on major city streets without clear council approval. The system, marketed as the nation’s largest fixed-reader network, records vehicle movements that can be accessed across jurisdictions. Concerned about privacy implications, Pichardo publicly criticized the deployment, prompting the police chief to file complaints and the department to launch several internal investigations into his actions, including his handling of public complaints and use of department facilities.

The inquiries gathered extensive records such as dispatch logs, GPS data, and body-camera footage. While the article notes the investigations, it does not specify any resulting sanctions or termination recommendations. Pichardo’s case has drawn national attention to the broader debate over automated surveillance and its oversight.