The New Bedford City Council considered several motions Tuesday regarding the police department’s use of automated license plate readers.

 

This comes after last week’s meeting was cut short due to a lack of decorum among several residents in attendance.

 

The New Bedford Police Department put a temporary pause on its Flock camera system earlier this month after an audit resulted in “internal investigations” and an officer being placed on paid administrative leave.

 

Councilors passed a motion asking New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and Police Chief Jason Thody to take down the city’s Flock cameras.

 

The motion is simply a request and not a mandate, which means Mitchell and Thody do not have to adhere to it.

 

The majority of the council is also looking to legislate against the use of Flock cameras to ensure their requests become law.

 

Three other items regarding Flock cameras were referred to various committees, where councilors will work on drafting ordinances that will eventually be voted on. Those items include requiring city leaders to discuss the use of the cameras, investigate the technology further and eventually abolish the use of it altogether.

 

See more at wpri.com.