New Bedford, Mass. – In a clear demonstration of city‑government accountability, Mayor Jon Mitchell ordered the termination of Officer Emily Pacheco and Sergeant James Martinelli after an internal audit found they violated department policy governing the use of Flock Safety’s automatic license‑plate reader system.
Audit uncovers policy violations
The audit, which began in July and remains ongoing, was conducted by the New Bedford Police Department to ensure that the powerful surveillance technology is employed only for legitimate law‑enforcement purposes. Chief Jason Thody reported that both officers misused the system, contravening established regulations.
Officer Pacheco was found to have breached several departmental policies related to the license‑plate reader, including accessing the system without proper authorization and failing to follow required documentation procedures. Sgt. Martinelli’s conduct was deemed even more troubling; the investigation concluded that he conducted searches for personal reasons, a clear abuse of public resources.
Mayor and chief emphasize privacy and proper use
Mayor Mitchell emphasized that the audit’s purpose is to protect citizens’ privacy while preserving the effectiveness of modern policing tools. “Our community deserves confidence that technology like Flock cameras is used responsibly and only for public‑safety objectives,” Mitchell said in a release.
Chief Thody echoed the mayor’s sentiment, noting that the department takes any deviation from policy seriously. “Our officers are entrusted with powerful tools, and any misuse erodes public trust. The terminations send a strong message that we will not tolerate violations of privacy or procedural rules,” Thody said.
What this means for New Bedford residents
The swift action underscores New Bedford’s commitment to transparent governance and the protection of individual liberties. By holding officers accountable, the city reinforces the principle that law‑enforcement tools must serve the public good without infringing on constitutional rights.
Community leaders have praised the decisive response, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to balance safety and privacy. The ongoing audit will continue to review the department’s use of the license‑plate reader system, ensuring that any further concerns are addressed promptly.
Next steps for the police department
Police Chief Thody announced that the department will provide additional training on the proper use of the Flock system and will implement stricter oversight mechanisms. The goal is to prevent future misuse while maintaining the technology’s ability to aid investigations and enhance public safety.
Residents who have questions about the audit or the department’s privacy policies are encouraged to contact the New Bedford Police Department’s public‑affairs office.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
