Chief Thody Announces Temporary Suspension of Flock Safety Technology

New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody has announced that the department will temporarily suspend its use of Flock Safety technology as it conducts a thorough review of the department’s use of the technology and how to best ensure its secure use going forward.

The department acquired Flock Safety technology in 2024, prior to Chief Thody’s tenure, as an additional tool to support public safety and assist with criminal investigations. Chief Thody is now directing a review of how the technology has been used since its acquisition.

The review will help the department better understand how Flock has been utilized and determine whether, and under what circumstances, the department should continue using the technology in the future.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that any technology used by the department supports public safety while protecting the members of the community we serve,” said Chief Thody. “Flock can be a valuable investigative tool, but we also recognize that technologies like this raise legitimate questions about privacy, access, information sharing, and oversight. We need to make sure that if we continue using this technology, we do so responsibly and in a way that serves the public. This and other emerging technologies can have positive impacts on safety, but must be implemented with caution and due diligence.”

As part of the review, the department will examine Flock’s use in past criminal investigations and assess the technology’s role in supporting public safety. The department will also explore best practices and work with elected officials, partners, and the public to develop more effective policies and procedures for its use.

The department can also confirm that, based on recent technology audits, internal investigations have been opened, and one officer has been placed on administrative leave. The investigations remain active, and no further information will be released at this time.

The department has begun the review process, and the temporary suspension will take effect this week. The department will provide additional information regarding the future use of Flock Safety once the review is complete.