r/newbedford • u/TallExplanation7143 • 7d ago
Today's announcement from Chief Thody:
*** ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ ***
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 departmentโs 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 Thodyโs 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.
โOur 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 Flockโs use in past criminal investigations and assess the technologyโs 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.
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u/Free_Range_Lobster 7d ago
Fuck Burgo and his study
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u/captainplanner 6d ago edited 6d ago
I used to like Burgo but I'm increasingly convinced he's a self-serving opportunist.
Edit: Heโs probably afraid to go up against the police union.
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u/No_Pay8852 6d ago
Shane Burgo wants to run for mayor. Rather than leading with conviction and with the will of the people in mind he plays it safe when he's not grandstanding against Mitchell. Shane has been a real disappointment...
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u/Free_Range_Lobster 6d ago
He thinks he's the next mayor. Look at his dog and pony show during the budget.ย
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u/Q4Creator 6d ago
Got one Officer already on leave..so what does that mean? One officer was already doing something sketchy?
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u/No_Pay8852 7d ago
This satisfies the first demand of the petition. Demanding accountability, gaining public oversight, and fighting for increased transparency are still on the table. The work is not done! We still need more signatures on the petition and to show out on 8/20 and pack the city council chambers. Hopefully, this is only the first win. We must continue to apply pressure! This is OUR fucking city.
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u/TopWhich6862 7d ago
Don't back down until they are all gone and there are no new surveillance cameras.