Surprise police officer cleared of wrongdoing after investigation into Flock camera anomaly

The Surprise Police Department announced Wednesday that an officer who was investigated for potential misuse of Flock Safety camera data did nothing wrong.

The West Valley suburb terminated its use of the automated license plate readers and launched the investigation two weeks ago after a routine audit identified a usage anomaly.

The officer was placed on administrative leave while the department’s Professional Standards Unit looked into the matter.

Investigators determined that the anomaly was a technical issue caused by the officer’s use of a web browser bookmark to access the Flock system. The bookmark usage made it seem as if the officer was repeatedly searching the same vehicle.

“I am thankful to report that there was no evidence of misuse. I appreciate the officer’s professionalism throughout the investigative process, as well as his commitment to serving our city,” Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher said in a news release.

The officer was cleared to return to duty this week.

Surprise isn’t alone in scrapping their Flock plate readers

After the anomaly was detected, the city notified Flock that it was canceling its contract with the company after two years. The police department also suspended access to its 28-camera plate reader system.

However, the city did not rule out future use of public safety technology, including automated license plate readers.

Multiple municipalities across Arizona have been pulling the plug on their Flock cameras amid privacy concerns and reports of improper system usage. Just this week, Tempe and Cave Creek announced they were ending their contracts with the surveillance technology company.

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