The "anomaly" that Surprise officials identified during a Flock audit was a technical error, not an officer's misuse of the system.
An investigation found that an abnormality was caused by an officer accessing the Flock automated license plate reader system through a web browser bookmark, which made it appear that the officer was repeatedly searching for the same vehicle, according to the city in an Aug. 26 news release.
The officer, who was not named, will return to their normal duties this week. The officer has been on paid administrative leave since Surprise announced that a routine audit identified the "anomaly" about two weeks ago.
Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher said public trust was earned, which was why the public was immediately informed
of a possible violation of the system.
“I am thankful to report that there was no evidence of misuse," said Becher in a statement. "I appreciate the officer’s professionalism throughout the investigative process, as well as his commitment to serving our city. For more than two years, our employees entrusted with sensitive information from the ALPR system have consistently demonstrated the integrity, judgment and professionalism our community expects of them.”
The "anomaly" led to Surprise temporarily suspending the use of its license plate readers. But one day later, Surprise notified Flock that it was canceling its contract after some city leaders said they wanted the technology gone. The city also requested the company deactivate and remove the cameras, according to the news release.
Surprise will assess the Police Department's needs and evaluate its use of technologies, which could include license plate reader cameras, according to the news release.
Elena Santa Cruz covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Surprise and Peoria. Reach her at elena.santacruz@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on X @ecsantacruz3.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flock 'anomaly' in Surprise linked to tech error, not officer misuse
