Goodyear police officer investigated over potential misuse of Flock technology

The Goodyear Police Department is investigating a police officer’s potential misuse of Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader technology.

The department operates 33 Flock Safety automated license plate readers.

During a July 21 internal affairs audit of activity within the Flock system, investigators found activity involving an officer that raised concerns about a potential misuse of the Flock system.

What happened after potential misuse of Flock camera system was found?

After learning of the potential misuse, the department immediately placed the officer on administrative leave and restricted access to department computers.

During its review, the department discovered information that raised concerns about a potential criminal violation. It then asked the Glendale Police Department to conduct an independent and impartial investigation.

“The potential actions of one individual among approximately 200 authorized users do not diminish the legitimate public safety value of this technology or the responsible manner in which it is used by Goodyear Police Department employees every day,” the department said in a statement Wednesday.

Glendale police’s investigation remains underway. Once it is complete, Goodyear police will resume its administrative investigation into the potential violation of its Flock ALPR policy.

The Goodyear Police Department is the latest government agency to investigate the potential misuse of Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers. See which Arizona cities, counties and law enforcement agencies are reconsidering their use of the technology here.

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