Indianapolis – Chief Eric Terry took decisive action on Friday, suspending an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer and recommending that the department’s Merit Board fire him. The move follows an internal audit that uncovered the officer’s misuse of the department’s automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) system for purposes unrelated to public safety.
Audit uncovers unauthorized searches
During a routine audit in August, IMPD flagged a series of ALPR searches that could not be linked to any active case or incident number. The audit team determined the officer had accessed the system without a legitimate investigative justification, violating department policy and the trust of the community.
Immediate safeguards put in place
Chief Terry ordered the officer’s access to the ALPR system revoked and reassigned him to administrative duty while the investigation continued. “Using law‑enforcement technology or accessing confidential information for anything other than a legitimate public‑safety purpose is a serious violation of the trust our community places in us,” Terry said.
New rules tighten ALPR use
In response to the incident, IMPD revised its ALPR policy in August. Officers must now connect every search to a specific case or incident number and include an appropriate crime code. The department also introduced additional audits and a single‑sign‑on system to better track user activity and prevent unauthorized access.
Policy formalization underway
IMPD is drafting a comprehensive policy that incorporates the new rules. The General Orders Board will review the draft before the department issues a final version, which is slated to be made public for community transparency.
Community impact and accountability
The swift disciplinary action underscores IMPD’s commitment to accountability and the protection of citizens’ privacy. By tightening controls on powerful surveillance tools, the department aims to balance effective policing with respect for constitutional rights and community trust.
What residents should know
Residents can expect greater oversight of ALPR usage and clearer reporting requirements for any future searches. The department encourages anyone with concerns about police technology use to contact the IMPD Office of Professional Standards.
Chief Terry’s decisive response reflects a broader effort within Indianapolis to ensure law‑enforcement practices align with the values of safety, transparency, and respect for individual liberty.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
