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MA Cop Busted Using Flock Cams on Ex
14 Aug
Summary
- Officer accused of using Flock cameras on ex-girlfriend.
- Restraining order filed by ex-girlfriend against officer.
- Police chief suspends Flock camera use amid misuse concerns.
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, police officer Emily Pacheco is currently on leave after allegations surfaced that she used the department's Flock camera system to monitor her ex-girlfriend. These accusations came to light when the ex-girlfriend filed for a restraining order, detailing ongoing harassment and stalking behavior from Pacheco.
The restraining order request explicitly mentioned an internal affairs investigation into Pacheco's alleged misuse of Flock cameras for license plate tracking. Flock cameras are intended to aid law enforcement by capturing license plate data on public roads to assist in solving crimes.
This incident is part of several investigations into the improper use of Flock cameras within the New Bedford Police Department. In response, Police Chief Jason Thody has suspended the department's use of the system. Nationwide, Flock technology has faced increasing scrutiny over privacy implications and reported instances of abuse by law enforcement agencies.
Responding to these concerns, Flock's CEO announced new privacy and security measures. These include implementing an auditing tool for unusual search activity, reducing license plate data retention from a month to one week, and enhancing local control over data sharing. On Thursday, a judge extended the restraining order against Pacheco for six months and ordered her to surrender her firearms.
