Nine Massachusetts communities used state casino mitigation grants to buy automated license plate readers over the past three fiscal years, a WBUR review of state records found. The purchases totaled nearly $500,000, WBUR reported Monday, Nov. 9. Only one of the nine, Chelsea, requested money for gambling harm reduction.
Related: Lowell Minutes Show 8-1 Closed-Door Vote to Turn Flock Cameras Back On.
Who bought the cameras
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission awards the money through its Community Mitigation Fund. The fund is meant to help communities deal with the effects of a nearby casino.
Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow and Wilbraham, near MGM Springfield, were among the buyers, WBUR reported. Plainville, North Attleborough and Wrentham received money near Plainridge Park Casino. Chelsea, which borders Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, also bought plate readers through the fund.
Local law enforcement officials told the commission the cameras would capture casino traffic, WBUR reported. The cameras log every passing vehicle, and police in other communities can search those records without a warrant.
The Agawam example
Agawam added nearly $58,000 for six Flock cameras through an amended grant application, WBUR reported. The town cited increased traffic and parents dropping children at Six Flags New England before heading to the casino.
The City Council accepted the $321,500 grant in September 2025, and the cameras were not mentioned at that meeting, according to WBUR. Councilor Christine Rickmon told WBUR that residents “feel betrayed.” Police Chief Eric Gillis did not respond to WBUR’s requests for comment.
What officials and critics say
“The broader problem that we’re seeing across the state is deployments of Flock cameras and license plate readers and other surveillance tools without thorough consideration,” said Gideon Epstein of the ACLU of Massachusetts.
Ludlow Police Chief Michael Brennan told WBUR the readers “have shown to be an effective investigative tool.” Commission spokesman Thomas Mills referred questions to the towns. WBUR reported that Flock declined its emailed requests for comment.
In June, the commission voted 4-1 to let Ludlow move $35,000 to a Flock service contract, WBUR reported. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien voted no, citing “issues with Flock.”
Where the money went
The commission awarded $38.5 million over three years, and 5% went to problem gambling efforts, WBUR’s analysis found. Most went to public safety and traffic projects.
The ACLU of Massachusetts found nearly 90 police departments contracting for plate readers as of last summer, WBUR reported. More than 30 communities have since canceled or suspended contracts, including North Attleborough.
More coverage is in our Massachusetts politics section and public safety section.
Sources
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