Auburn Select Board Approves License Plate Reader Grant 3-2 Amid Vendor Privacy Concerns

AUBURN — March 30, 2026 — Auburn Select Board honors five first responders and approves $18,250 license plate reader grant over dissent. The board, chaired by Anne Cavanaugh, presented formal commendations to Deputy Chief Kenneth Charlton, Officers Randy Hawley, Matthew Laskes, and Brandyn Geldart of the Auburn Police Department, and Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Davis of Auburn Fire Rescue for their roles in a February 3 live-shooter response in Spencer through the Central Mass Law Enforcement Council SWAT and drone units; State Senator Michael Moore attended to deliver Massachusetts State Senate citations. The board voted 3-2 to accept an $18,250 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for six Flock Safety automated license plate recognition cameras, with two members citing concerns about the company's data-sharing history in Illinois, Texas, and other states; the police chief committed orally to return with a usage policy but the board imposed no formal condition in the motion. The board also unanimously authorized a $250,000 dam grant application for the town-owned Leesville Dam in Worcester and accepted a MassDOT speed-sign grant covering three pole-mounted units and one trailer for Pinehurst Avenue, Rockland Road, and West Street at no recurring cost.