Additional Coverage:
The town of Stow, Massachusetts, has severed its relationship with Flock Safety and removed automated license plate readers (ALPRs) amid allegations that a local police officer misused the surveillance system for personal reasons. Officer Jason Rogers is facing potential termination and criminal charges after being accused of accessing the Flock camera database to gather information about someone he knows, without any legitimate law enforcement justification.
Flock Safety cameras automatically capture images of every vehicle passing by and store the data in a searchable database accessible to law enforcement without a warrant. Authorities in Stow revealed that Rogers improperly queried the system on at least five occasions, combining Flock Safety data with information from Criminal Justice Information Services for personal reasons.
Following a complaint filed on June 18, the Stow Police Department placed Rogers on paid administrative leave within hours and revoked his access to departmental systems. An internal investigation found multiple violations, including conduct unbecoming of an officer, misuse of official position, failure to follow written orders, and providing false reasons for searches.
In a related incident, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana terminated an officer after uncovering personal use of the Flock system. That officer admitted to repeatedly searching a license plate belonging to a former fiancée over several years. The department immediately suspended the employee and is considering criminal charges.
Responding to these events, Stow officials have removed several license plate readers to reassess public safety concerns. Police Chief Michael Sallese announced plans to present a revised ALPR policy to the town’s Select Board. The new guidelines will establish strict approval procedures, require supervisory oversight, and enforce detailed logging and reporting to prevent future misuse.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with access to sensitive information solely to perform their official duties and protect the public,” Chief Sallese stated. “Using that access for personal purposes is a serious breach of trust and constitutes a crime.”
Rogers is scheduled for an employment status hearing on August 26. Meanwhile, similar cases of Flock camera misuse have emerged across the country.
In Wisconsin, a Menasha police officer who misused the system received jail time and probation. In Ohio, a county commissioner has called for a pause on Flock camera use pending an audit to clarify legal boundaries and protect residents from mass surveillance.
However, Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre defended the technology as a vital crime-fighting tool comparable to the introduction of DNA evidence decades ago.
In response to growing scrutiny, Flock Safety recently announced policy changes, including requiring a criminal case number for database searches and shortening data retention from 30 days to seven. The company has not yet commented on the latest incidents.
As the debate over surveillance and privacy continues, Stow’s actions underscore the need for clear policies and accountability when it comes to law enforcement’s use of automated license plate readers.