Rhode Island Officer Resigns After Whistleblowing on Flock Surveillance Network
A seven-year veteran of the Pawtucket Police Department has resigned after facing multiple internal investigations and suspensions, alleging retaliation for speaking out against the city’s deployment of Flock Safety cameras.
Noel Pichardo, a seven-year veteran of the Pawtucket Police Department in Rhode Island, resigned in July 2025 following a protracted dispute over the department’s use of automated surveillance technology. Pichardo, who served as a detective, cited his “philosophical convictions” in his resignation letter, stating that department leadership had made it clear he was no longer welcome due to his public criticism of the Flock Safety license plate reader network.
The conflict began in October 2023 when Pichardo publicly criticised the deployment of Flock cameras, arguing the system violated privacy rights and was installed without public scrutiny. In an interview with the local newspaper, the Valley Breeze, Pichardo described the technology as a grave threat to civil liberties, noting that the system could reconstruct a person’s movements across jurisdictions. He stated that the deployment gave him “1984 vibes” and warned that the public had been kept in the dark about the scale of the surveillance.
Following his public stance, Pichardo faced five internal affairs investigations over a period of less than two years. The disciplinary actions included multiple suspensions and his removal from detective eligibility. Pichardo alleges these measures were retaliatory responses to his whistleblowing, while the Pawtucket Police Department and the local police union maintain that the actions were based on standard conduct violations and insubordination.
The first investigation stemmed from his media interview, resulting in a 30-day unpaid suspension. Subsequent inquiries involved allegations of neglect of duty, incivility, and insubordination regarding various incidents, including a road-rage encounter and the handling of a family call. Pichardo acknowledged that his conduct in some instances was indefensible but argued that the rules were enforced disproportionately against him compared to other officers.
His case has contributed to a broader national debate regarding automated vehicle surveillance and privacy rights. Pichardo’s public commentary, which later included a video on YouTube and an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show, highlighted concerns about the unchecked expansion of license plate reader networks. He resigned from the Pawtucket Police Department in July 2025, ending his career in law enforcement amidst the ongoing controversy.