Controversial Tech Aids Tracking of Brown University and MIT Professor Shooter
Officials have concluded a significant investigation into the shooting of a Brown University and MIT professor. The case centers around the technology used for tracking, specifically an automated license plate reader system, which ultimately helped locate the suspect, Claudio Neves Valente.
Key Events in the Investigation
Providence police received crucial tips that led them to Valente’s rented gray Nissan sedan. The vehicle became pivotal in tracing his movements prior to the shooting.
- Valente, 48, was identified through an arrest warrant photo linked to Alamo Rent a Car in Boston.
- The vehicle was tracked 14 times by Flock Safety license plate reader cameras in Providence.
- Surveillance footage captured during the investigation provided critical evidence, linking Valente to the scene.
On December 12, 2025, the Nissan was spotted multiple times before the incident occurred at Brown University’s engineering facility. The car was later tracked to Brookline, Massachusetts, where MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro was shot in his apartment. Valente was ultimately found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire.
Role of Technology in the Case
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez Jr. highlighted the significance of the Flock Safety technology. According to Chief Perez, the license plate reader system was crucial for piecing together Valente’s movements, showcasing its effectiveness in law enforcement.
Josh Thomas, chief communications officer at Flock Safety, noted that specific descriptions, such as “gray Nissan,” helped authorities identify the exact vehicle involved. This technology enabled police to monitor Valente’s travel through multiple jurisdictions, illustrating its capability for precise tracking.
Controversy Surrounding Surveillance Technologies
Despite its effectiveness in the current case, Flock Safety faces scrutiny over privacy and data management practices. Recently, the city of Cambridge terminated its contract with the company amid public concerns.
The ACLU has voiced apprehensions regarding the broader implications of such surveillance technology. Kade Crockford, ACLU’s director for technology and justice programs, acknowledged the technology’s utility but warned against its potential for unwarranted surveillance.
- Crockford emphasized that the use of license plate readers should come with strict oversight to prevent mass surveillance.
- Concerns were raised about creating vast databases containing individuals’ location data shared among various agencies.
Thomas defended the use of Flock Safety technology, asserting its role as a tool for precision policing rather than mass surveillance. He emphasized its effectiveness in resolving significant crime investigations.
