NEW BEDFORD, MA — A New Bedford police officer is on leave after a restraining order filing accused her of using the department’s Flock camera system to track an ex-girlfriend. The filing says the officer, Emily Pacheco, ran the woman’s license plate through the system during a breakup dispute.
The court filing described the behavior as harassment and stalking. A judge later extended the restraining order for six months and kept in place an order requiring Pacheco to surrender her firearms.
Restraining order filing points to an internal affairs probe
The request for the restraining order was filed by Pacheco’s ex-girlfriend. It said there was an open internal affairs investigation into Pacheco’s use of Flock to follow her.
The allegation adds to scrutiny already facing the New Bedford Police Department, where officials say there have been several investigations into possible misuse of the camera system.
How Flock cameras are used and why the system is under scrutiny
Flock cameras are installed along public roads and capture license plate images and other vehicle details. The information is stored in a database that is marketed as a tool for solving crimes.
Privacy concerns around the technology have grown nationwide, along with reports alleging law enforcement abuse. In New Bedford, Police Chief Jason Thody has suspended the system’s use within the department while the investigations continue.
Company announces new privacy and accountability measures
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley said in a blog post Thursday that the company is rolling out additional safeguards. Those changes include requiring customers to use an auditing tool that flags unusual search activity.
The company also said it will shorten retention of license plate data from a month to a week and give cities and towns more control over whether information is shared with other agencies.
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