Nearby in Natick: Flock license plate reader pilot nixed; Latest police doings; Successful book & bake sale

The latest news from Natick, Mass.:

Natick Select Board quashes Flock license plate reader pilot; Police chief apologizes & explains

After being blindsided by a Natick Police pilot of Flock Safety license plate reader technology, the Select Board this past week voted unanimously to end the trial and have the town set up a working group to explore the topic going forward.

 
For its part, Wellesley has one stationary Flock camera at the intersection of Rtes. 9 and 16. The rest of Wellesley’s cameras are from Motorola and are used on vehicles.

According to Wellesley Police Chief Scott Whittemore, the department has used LPRs (License Plate Readers) since 2014. Commercial and educational institutions in town also use this technology, he says.

LPRs have contributed to Wellesley Police cracking cases, including burglaries and mail thefts.

What ELSE the Natick Police Department is up to

Natick Police Chief James Hicks spoke of hiring challenges, possible adoption of drones, and more during his briefing with the Select Board.

Friends of Morse Institute Library beat the snow for successful book & bake sale