Rules and Procedures Committee - 8/26/2026

The Town of Bridgewater, MA Rules and Procedures Committee met on August 26, 2026, to discuss several agenda items including an ordinance related to municipal surveillance technology, specifically the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems such as Flock Safety cameras. The police chief and lieutenant provided detailed testimony supporting the continued use of ALPR technology, citing examples where it aided in solving crimes and ensuring community safety. They emphasized the minimal privacy intrusion, existing policies, and audit procedures to prevent misuse. The committee discussed the ordinance that would prohibit the town from acquiring or using ALPR systems, with exceptions for manual license plate observations related to specific incidents. After deliberation, the committee voted to send the ordinance forward to the town council with a positive recommendation. Additionally, the committee reviewed and recommended approval of the SAVE Volunteer Services Program rules and eligibility policies, which allow senior residents to volunteer in exchange for property tax reductions. Another ordinance related to water management was postponed indefinitely. No direct contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion included a request to share the purchasing contract with Flock Safety for council review, indicating ongoing procurement oversight.