New Bedford Police Officer Accused of Flock Camera Misuse
TL;DR. A New Bedford police officer faces investigation for allegedly using Flock license plate readers to track an ex-romantic partner. - The officer received an abuse prevention order and was ordered to surrender firearms, with her license to carry suspended. - Police temporarily suspended Flock system use and opened internal investigations after the allegations surfaced. - Flock cameras are automatic license plate readers that scan and store vehicle data for law enforcement access.
- New Bedford police officer Emily Pacheco is accused of misusing Flock license plate readers to track an ex-partner.
- Pacheco received an abuse prevention order, compelling her to surrender firearms due to a credible physical safety threat.
- The New Bedford Police Department suspended its use of Flock cameras pending a review, initiating internal investigations.
- This incident highlights concerns about law enforcement's access and potential misuse of powerful surveillance technologies.
Sources
- New Bedford police officer accused of using Flock cameras to track ex-partner — newbedfordlight.org
- nytimes.com — nytimes.com