Twenty-five automated license plate cameras in Providence will be activated within 30 days. They take photos of passing cars which are then stored for a month before being deleted.
Police say the cameras will help them apprehend lawbreakers and recover stolen vehicles.
The state ACLU has questioned the plan as being an unregulated intrusion. But the mayor says that precautions "have been baked into the program" and he sees no reason to be fearful of it.
Opponents have voiced concerns about privacy issues.
Neither police, nor the mayor have indicated where the 25 cameras will be located.
(Photo credit NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images)