A Goodyear police officer won't face criminal charges after being accused of misusing the department's Flock Safety system.
But, an administrative investigation found that the officer, Kristopher Jackson, violated multiple policies, including those related to the abuse of authority, the department's body-worn camera policy and dishonesty, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Mayra Reeson.
Jackson resigned from the department on Sept. 17 before the administrative investigation was completed. Police Chief Brian Issitt said Jackson would have been fired had he remained with the department.
"Resignation does not erase misconduct, nor does it relieve us of our responsibility to investigate it," said Issitt in a statement.
Jackson was placed on administrative
leave on July 22 after a routine audit of the department's Flock system activity identified a possible policy violation. His access to department computer systems also was restricted.
In an initial review, investigators "identified information" that raised the possibility of criminal wrongdoing, Reeson said. To have an independent review, Goodyear police asked the Glendale Police Department to conduct the criminal investigation.
Glendale investigators later determined there was insufficient evidence to establish that a crime was committed.
Goodyear police then resumed their administrative investigation and continued it after Jackson's resignation.
Issit said accountability does not end when employees resign.
"Our community places an extraordinary amount of trust in our officers, particularly when it comes to accessing sensitive law enforcement information," Issit said. "That trust comes with an expectation that every employee will follow the law, uphold department policies and exercise sound judgment."
Jackson's suspected misuse was announced around the same time other Valley law enforcement agencies had reported possible abuse of their Flock systems. Some police agencies have since canceled their contracts with the company while Queen Creek has imposed penalties for misuse and Tempe has banned the cameras outright.
Goodyear has continued to use Flock cameras. The department's statement said police officials would continue to enforce its policies regarding access to law enforcement databases and the appropriate use of investigative technology.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Goodyear officer quits amid Flock probe. Chief says he would have been fired
