NEW BEDFORD, MA — A New Bedford police officer is accused of misusing the department’s Flock Safety license plate reader cameras to monitor a former girlfriend after their breakup.
The allegation surfaced during a Thursday hearing on a protective order extension, where Officer Emily Pacheco appeared with her attorney. Police say the matter prompted an internal investigation and a broader pause in the use of the cameras.
Former girlfriend says she felt followed after police described camera tracking
According to testimony, Pacheco’s former girlfriend said officers told her the vehicle had been tracked through Flock cameras. She told the court that information left her feeling as if she was being followed.
Pacheco’s attorney disputed that account, saying the vehicle was only identified during a routine investigation and that the ex-girlfriend was not the target. The attorney told the judge the car, not the former partner, was the subject of the inquiry.
Department places officer on leave and pauses all Flock cameras
The New Bedford Police Department said an officer was placed on administrative leave after a recent audit of the Flock cameras and the start of an internal investigation. Chief Jason Thody also suspended use of all Flock cameras while the department reviews how the technology is being used.
In a statement, Thody said the department needs to be sure that if it keeps using the technology, it does so responsibly and in a way that serves the public.
Flock Safety announces added safeguards after misuse concerns
Flock Safety said Thursday it is adding safeguards intended to help catch police misuse of its license plate reader system. CEO and founder Garrett Langley said the company has required audit logs since the start and recently updated the system to better flag possible abuse.
Langley said the company believes the logs can help identify misconduct and hold officers accountable. The announcement came as agencies around Massachusetts, including New Bedford, face renewed scrutiny over camera use.
Police union says multiple misuse cases are under review
The New Bedford police union said it is aware of several possible misuse investigations involving members of the department. It said every officer deserves a fair, thorough, and impartial review before any conclusion is reached.
Thody is expected to brief the city council on the Flock cameras at the next meeting later this month, giving city leaders an update on the review and the future of the system.
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