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The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Knoxville police chief probe began with complaint against officer he texted

Knoxville police chief probe began with complaint against officer he texted

Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel was suspended for one month without pay after sending inappropriate texts to an officer.

Winona Police Investigate Theft of Flock Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Winona Police Investigate Theft of Flock Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

In Winona, Minnesota, the local police department is investigating the theft of eight Flock license plate reader cameras. These AI-powered devices, which record vehicle license plates and characteristics, were discovered missing after an officer noticed a lack of new activity logs on August 1. The poles holding the cameras were found cut down, with the cameras themselves missing. The thefts are believed to have occurred between July 29 and August 1. Replacing the cameras and poles is estimated to cost $3,000 per site, excluding service fees. This incident is part of a broader backlash against Flock's surveillance technology, which has faced criticism for privacy concerns. Similar incidents of vandalism and theft have been reported in other Minnesota cities and across the country.

Grand Jury Indicts Burke County Sheriff on State Charges

Grand Jury Indicts Burke County Sheriff on State Charges

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams has been indicted by a grand jury on state charges, a day after pleading not guilty to federal charges. The indictment includes four felony counts: two counts of making a false statement and two counts of theft by conversion. The false-statement charges relate to allegations that Williams entered false training records into the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council’s system. The theft by conversion charges accuse Williams of misusing funds related to his role as sheriff, including converting seized cash and reimbursement money for personal use. The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office has stated that Williams has not yet been arrested on these state charges.

North Carolina Officer Arrested for Misusing License Plate Cameras to Track Personal Target

North Carolina Officer Arrested for Misusing License Plate Cameras to Track Personal Target

Elizabeth Snowman, a police officer in Mooresville, North Carolina, has been arrested for allegedly using Flock license plate readers to track her boyfriend's ex-wife. The Mooresville Police Department discovered that Snowman accessed the system 31 times for personal use during an audit. She has been charged with accessing computers unlawfully. The Flock camera system, which captures specific car information, has faced criticism over privacy concerns. The department is investigating other potential misuse cases, and Snowman is due in court on August 27.

Harris County Allocates $2.5 Million for Investigation into ICE Shooting in Houston

Harris County Allocates $2.5 Million for Investigation into ICE Shooting in Houston

The Harris County District Attorney's office has been allocated $2.5 million to investigate the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents in Houston. The investigation, expected to last three years, aims to provide a transparent account of the incident. District Attorney Sean Teare emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, which may include legal action to obtain evidence from federal agencies. The shooting has raised questions about the actions of ICE agents, who claim self-defense, while witnesses dispute this account. The investigation will focus on gathering evidence and testimonies to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Former New Hampshire State Trooper Resigns After Guilty Plea in Tracking Device Case

Former New Hampshire State Trooper Resigns After Guilty Plea in Tracking Device Case

James Lamoureux, a former New Hampshire State Police trooper, has pleaded guilty to one count of false reports to law enforcement. The case, investigated by the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Keene Police Department, revealed that Lamoureux placed GPS tracking devices on vehicles used by his then-girlfriend and himself. He also downloaded a tracking application to his phone. Lamoureux falsely reported to the Keene Police Department that he believed others had placed the devices on the vehicles. As part of a negotiated agreement, Lamoureux will resign from the New Hampshire State Police, surrender his law enforcement certification, and be placed on the national registry of decertified officers. He is prohibited from seeking future employment as a law enforcement officer.

Savannah Morning News

Six Savannah Police employees fired for Flock system misuse

Six Savannah Police employees fired for Flock system misuse

SPD has fired six employees following an internal investigation into their alleged misuse of the Flock Safety License Plate Reader system.

Westchester County Journal News

Man dies after boat capsizes at popular NY state park

Man dies after boat capsizes at popular NY state park

A 58-year-old man died after his 16-foot boat struck a dock multiple times and capsized Friday night, according to New York State Police.

Hartford Woman Steals Clothes, Crashes Getaway Car, and Evades Police

Hartford Woman Steals Clothes, Crashes Getaway Car, and Evades Police

In Hartford, Connecticut, a woman stole a pile of clothing from Track 23, a downtown clothing store, and fled the scene in a car. Shortly after, she crashed the vehicle, which was found to be unregistered and carrying a stolen license plate. The woman managed to change into new clothes and walk away from the scene before police arrived. The incident occurred in broad daylight, and the police are currently investigating the matter.

Greece Police Chief Alleges Forced Resignation in Legal Claim

Greece Police Chief Alleges Forced Resignation in Legal Claim

Michael Wood, the Chief of Police in Greece, New York, has filed a legal notice of claim against the Town of Greece, alleging that town officials are attempting to force him out of his position. Wood claims that since March 11, he has faced improper and illegal attempts to remove him from his role. The notice includes allegations of breach of contract, age discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing violations, and civil rights violations. Wood asserts that his insistence on ethical leadership and refusal to tolerate misconduct have made him a target of politically motivated investigations.

Simpsonville Police Chief Suspended Amid Harassment and Misconduct Investigation

Simpsonville Police Chief Suspended Amid Harassment and Misconduct Investigation

Simpsonville Police Chief Thomas Brummer has been suspended with pay following allegations of harassment and misconduct. The suspension was enacted after a city meeting on July 21, with the city hiring Advanced Investigations Solutions to conduct a thorough investigation. Details of the allegations have not been disclosed, and the suspension is set for up to 30 days or longer if necessary. Sgt. David Alkins has been appointed as the acting chief during this period. The investigation is ongoing, and Brummer has not yet commented on the situation.

North Carolina Officer Charged for Misusing License Plate Cameras

North Carolina Officer Charged for Misusing License Plate Cameras

Elizabeth Snowman, a police officer in Mooresville, North Carolina, has been arrested for allegedly using Flock license plate readers to track her boyfriend's ex-wife. The Mooresville Police Department discovered that Snowman accessed the system 31 times for personal reasons, listing most of the trackings as motor vehicle infractions. The department is investigating 10 other potential misuse cases. Flock Safety, the company behind the cameras, stated that misuse is unacceptable and emphasized the importance of responsible technology use. Snowman is due in court on August 27.