A New Bedford police officer, Emily Pacheco, is accused of misusing a Flock Safety license plate reader camera to stalk her ex-girlfriend after their breakup. The former girlfriend testified that police told her Pacheco was tracking her vehicle using the Flock Safety cameras, making her feel like she was being followed.

Investigation and Response

Pacheco’s attorney claimed that the car was tracked during a routine investigation, and the former girlfriend was not the target. The New Bedford Police Department has placed an officer on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation. Police Chief Jason Thody has also paused the use of all Flock cameras, stating that the department needs to ensure responsible use of the technology.

Flock Safety has announced new safeguards to combat police misuse, including updates to its audit log system to help identify potential mis-use. The company’s CEO, Garrett Langley, stated that they have been working to build accountability into their technology since its inception.

The New Bedford police union has indicated that there are several potential misuses under investigation and emphasized the importance of a fair and thorough investigative process. The police chief is expected to provide an update on Flock Cameras at the city council’s next meeting.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.