In May of 2022, the Bristol Town Council approved a request from Bristol Police to install cameras around Mt. Hope Bridge. These cameras have been considered and in some cases implemented throughout RI despite community pushback and condemnation by the RI ACLU.

Bristol PD initially described a plan to utilize these "license plate readers" to identify and respond to potential suicide attempts from the bridge, despite the fact that the company's own materials say nothing about this type of application. Not only is this not an effective or evidence-based plan, it is ripe for abuse -- anyone can call and say someone is unwell, unstable, or at risk and they will be tracked by law enforcement. A true commitment to suicide prevention would include barriers and/or safety nets on our bridges, and an investment in access to behavioral health services, affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and other data-driven interventions.

In addition to the substantial risk of harm and the lack of realistic benefit, BPD quickly pivoted in their request to add other uses for this technology. Communications from BPD and the technology company, Flock Safety, downplay the actual scope of the cameras' capability and the risk of additional expansion. 

Recently, residents of Portsmouth successfully organized a campaign to reconsider Town Council's initial approval based on the concerns raised and the lack of protections for individuals in our communities. We are asking Bristol Town Council members to do the same by overturning their approval and stopping implementation. Please join us by signing, sharing, and calling Town Council, urging them to support suicide prevention strategies that work, and to stop the surveillance of residents and visitors in our beautiful town.