Massachusetts police suspend Flock system after officer accused of misuse
In a significant move, New Bedford police have paused their automated license plate reader system following allegations of misuse by officer Emily Pacheco. Investigations revealed a troubling number of searches for one specific vehicle's license plate. Pacheco is currently on administrative leave while inquiries continue, alongside an extended abuse prevention order from a judge. This incident…
New Bedford, Massachusetts has temporarily halted its entire network of automated license plate reader cameras following allegations that an officer abused the system to track her ex-girlfriend. The New Bedford Police Department suspended the Flock Safety camera system after internal investigators discovered numerous searches linked to a single license plate, according to CBS News Boston.
The woman involved claimed internal affairs officers contacted her after reviewing system access records and questioned her about potential stalking. Officer Emily Pacheco, central to the investigation, has been placed on administrative leave while an internal inquiry continues. A judge extended an abuse prevention order against Pacheco for six months, mandating the surrender of her firearms and suspending her firearm carry license.
Allegations of harassment, including endless calls and fake text messages, emerged from court filings and a signed affidavit. Pacheco used the Flock camera network frequently, making 18 searches in April, 259 in May, and 220 in June, most of which were for traffic infractions. She denied using Flock to monitor her ex-girlfriend but admitted to daily access.
The New Bedford Police Department acknowledged the technology's benefits while emphasizing privacy concerns and the need for oversight.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
