License plate reading cameras go live in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — License plate reading cameras have officially gone live in Providence starting Thursday.

Twenty-five cameras were installed around the city last month, but only 23 went live as of Sept. 1.

According to the Providence Police Department, the cameras capture and store license plates with the goal of deterring crime.

At first, many city leaders spoke out against the proposal to install the cameras, but quickly gained support after a 15-year-old was shot and killed over the summer.

Providence police said the automatic license plate readers will play a big part in helping to solve crime in the city and prevent it. The cameras, according to police, are located in hot spots for crime.

The cameras work by reading the license plates of all cars that drive by, and if one is suspected of being part of a crime, police are notified.

“We’re excited about it because it’s going to solve a lot of crime for us and hopefully it more importantly prevents crime,” said Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré.

The cameras are part of a one-year pilot program between the police department and “Flock.”

“It’s great for us to have a safer environment, safer roads, and I hope this is a good way to do that,” said Providence resident Jackie Boutcher.

But not everyone is on board with the added security. The ACLU of Rhode Island is among those who question how these cameras could be used.

In a statement released after the announcement of the installation of the cameras, the organization called the cameras incredibly invasive and said the city introduced this program without any public input.

Some locals who spoke with ABC 6 News following the cameras going live this morning agreed with the ACLU’s concerns.

“My instinct is to say there’s already so much surveillance already this seems like just another step in that direction,” said Providence resident Jeffrey Niedermaier.

The automatic license plate readers turned on just ahead of a busy Labor Day weekend where there will be increased traffic on roads.

Paré also noted they can make an immediate impact this weekend, by being used to track any drunk drivers and hit and runs that may happen.

“These Flock cameras may capture your license plate and provide a lead to law enforcement so we can hold you accountable if you flee the scene of a crash,” he said.