Cranston, Ri Traffic Cameras: What You Need To Know

Traffic cameras are an increasingly common feature of modern life, and their presence in Cranston, RI, is a topic of interest for residents and visitors alike. With the development of new technologies, the use of traffic cameras has sparked debates around privacy and security, with some Cranston residents expressing concerns about the installation of cameras on public streets. In this context, it is essential to explore the reasons behind the implementation of these cameras, the entities involved, and the impact they have on the community. This discussion will delve into the purpose of the cameras, addressing questions such as whether they are primarily used for traffic monitoring, crime-fighting initiatives, or other purposes, and examining the implications for individuals' privacy and security.

Flock Safety cameras installed by the Cranston Police Department

Flock Safety cameras have been installed by the Cranston Police Department to help solve and prevent crimes. The cameras are license plate readers that can also identify a vehicle's make, model, colour, and unique details like roof racks and bumper stickers. The data is used for law enforcement purposes only and is never sold to third parties, according to the Johnston Police Department's "Acceptable Use Policy."

The Flock Safety cameras are part of a pilot program that the city is using on a trial basis to target crime. The program is being implemented in partnership with the Atlanta-based company Flock Safety, which specializes in providing communities with safety platforms to help solve and prevent crimes. The cameras are not being used to track speed or for any DMV or insurance-related issues.

The Flock Safety cameras have already had a positive impact on crime-fighting in Cranston. In one instance, a stolen 2021 Toyota Camry with Maine plates was detected traveling west on Hartford Avenue. The police were able to locate the vehicle and arrest the suspect, who was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. In another case, the Flock cameras helped identify a suspect in a vandalism offense.

The Flock Safety cameras are typically installed along busy traffic arteries, and their exact locations are rarely disclosed. The cameras are solar-powered and can capture two lanes of traffic simultaneously, capturing up to 30,000 vehicles per day. The data is stored for 30 days and includes license plate information and general vehicle descriptions. The Flock Safety Transparency Portal provides information on the usage and policies of the cameras, including the length of time data is stored, the number of cameras owned, and the hotlists that trigger an alert.

The installation of Flock Safety cameras in Cranston has sparked some concerns among residents about privacy and the use of metadata. However, the police department has emphasized that the cameras do not use facial recognition technology and that the data is only accessed and used for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The department has also agreed not to use the cameras for immigration enforcement, traffic enforcement, or any other prohibited uses listed in their "Acceptable Use Policy."

Cameras are on a trial basis to target crime

The city of Cranston, Rhode Island, is currently using cameras on a trial basis to target crime. The police department is employing a two-pronged approach to this initiative. Firstly, they have installed license plate reader cameras to monitor traffic. These cameras are mounted on 15-foot-high poles and are solar-powered. The police chief of Cranston, Michael Winquist, has stated that these cameras are not yet being fully utilized. However, they have the capability to search for vehicles by make, colour, type, license plate, and unique details such as roof racks and bumper stickers.

The second part of their strategy involves the Camera Registry Program (CRP). This program invites residents and business owners to voluntarily register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the Cranston Police Department. When a crime occurs, the police can then identify and enlist the assistance of those with nearby cameras to collect video evidence and follow up on leads. This program is designed to deter crime and promote public safety through collaboration between the police department and the community.

While some residents have expressed concerns about privacy and data security, others have noted the prevalence of similar technology, such as Ring video doorbells, and the minimal expectation of privacy on public streets. The debate over privacy and security is an ongoing discussion, and the police department has scheduled an event to address the pilot program and any related public concerns.

The funding for the camera program is expected to come from grants or drug forfeitures. The city's partnership with Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, has provided them with the technology to implement this trial. Flock Safety markets its camera as one that "sees like a detective," and its capabilities have sparked discussions about the balance between privacy and security in public spaces.

Cameras are not being used to track speed

There are traffic cameras in Cranston, Rhode Island, which have been installed by the Flock Safety company, based in Atlanta. These cameras are not being used to track speed. Instead, they are being used to target crime. The Flock Safety website describes its camera as the first to "see like a detective", using technology that can search for a vehicle by make, colour, type, license plate, and unique details such as roof racks and bumper stickers.

The cameras are not yet fully utilised, but the city is using them on a trial basis. The police are able to use the cameras to identify vehicles involved in criminal activity. This is not the same as tracking speed, which these cameras are not capable of doing. The cameras are also not being used for any DMV or insurance-related issues.

The Flock Safety cameras are solar-powered and are placed on poles around 15 feet in the air, pointed at the traffic below. They have been placed at various locations in Cranston, including Sockanosset Cross Road, Pawtuxet Village, and from Exit 33 in Cranston to the Massachusetts border.

The Cranston Police Department also has a Camera Registry Program (CRP) which allows residents and business owners to register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the police. This helps the police to identify and collect video evidence after a crime has occurred. The program is voluntary and free, and registrants' personal information is kept confidential.

Camera Registration Program (CRP)

The Cranston Police Department is inviting residents and business owners to participate in the Camera Registration Program (CRP) to help fight crime. The CRP is a voluntary program that allows community members to register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the police department. The goal is to improve public safety and deter crime through collaboration between the police and the community.

By registering their cameras, participants are agreeing to assist the police in collecting video evidence and following up on leads after a criminal incident has occurred in the vicinity of their cameras. The police will be able to directly contact registrants to request that they check their video surveillance system for specific dates and times for any footage that may be relevant to an ongoing investigation. For example, this could include footage of a getaway car or the direction that a person of interest was headed. If any relevant video evidence is found, the registrant can then contact the Office of Community Outreach at (401) 477-5127 to make arrangements for video retrieval.

It is important to note that registering a camera does not give the Cranston Police Department direct access to the device. Participants' personal information will be kept confidential by the City unless subject to disclosure by court order. Only law enforcement personnel investigating a crime in the area where the registered camera is located will be able to access the information. Participants can also delete their registration at any time by contacting the Office of Community Outreach.

Through the CRP, the Cranston Police Department aims to harness the power of community-owned surveillance cameras to solve crimes and improve public safety. By working together with residents and business owners, the police can more effectively gather evidence, identify suspects, and bring criminals to justice. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the police's investigative capabilities but also engages the community in actively contributing to a safer Cranston.

Traffic flow lines on the Cranston Traffic Map

The map also uses red and white dashed lines to indicate a closed road, and grey and white dashed lines to indicate roadworks. If you are unable to see any traffic flow lines, you can zoom in to reveal more detailed, localised data.

The map is updated at load time and upon movement outside the initial map view or upon a manual refresh of the page. Incident markers are updated approximately every 5-10 minutes, but the page must be manually refreshed to load new updates.

Cranston, Rhode Island, is the second-largest city in the state, with a population of at least 80,000 residents. It was named one of the "100 Best Places to Live" in the United States by Money magazine in 2006. The city has been utilising licence plate-reading cameras to monitor traffic and help solve crimes.

Frequently asked questions