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North Carolina Police Officer Charged with Misuse of Surveillance Technology

North Carolina Police Officer Charged with Misuse of Surveillance Technology

A North Carolina police officer, Seth Elliot from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, has been arrested and charged with illegally accessing a government computer. The charges stem from allegations that Elliot ran an unauthorized query of a North Carolina license plate registration using Flock Safety cameras. The investigation, conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, revealed that Elliot accessed the Flock Safety and CJLeads systems for non-law enforcement purposes. Following the investigation, Elliot was placed on paid administrative assignment on June 22 and later on unpaid administrative leave. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, which does not own or operate Flock cameras but has a Memorandum of Understanding to access them, is conducting an internal investigation.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Middletown officer who encouraged family to hit teen found guilty

Middletown officer who encouraged family to hit teen found guilty

A Middletown police officer who encouraged family to strike a handcuffed teenager with a belt was found guilty of dereliction of duty.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Charged for Illegal Database Search

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Charged for Illegal Database Search

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, Seth Elliot, has been charged by the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation for allegedly conducting an unauthorized search of a license plate registration using the Flock Safety and Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services. The incident reportedly occurred on June 16, when Elliot accessed the database for non-law enforcement purposes. Following the discovery, Elliot was placed on paid administrative assignment, and his access to criminal intelligence systems was revoked. On July 29, he was officially charged with illegally accessing a government computer and was released on a $15,000 unsecured bond. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department emphasized that they do not own or operate Flock cameras but have access to them through agreements with other agencies.
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Police Misuse of Flock Cameras Sparks National Debate on Privacy

Police Misuse of Flock Cameras Sparks National Debate on Privacy

Police officers in at least 12 states have been accused of misusing Flock Safety's license plate reader systems, according to a Newsweek investigation. Allegations include improper access to license plate data for personal reasons, such as tracking romantic partners or acquaintances. The misuse of this technology has raised significant privacy concerns and sparked a national debate. Flock Safety's network is widely used by law enforcement to identify stolen vehicles and locate missing persons. However, the recent cases have led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers and civil liberties groups, with some communities rejecting or removing the systems.
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Yolo County's Nut Buying Period Begins to Combat Orchard Theft

Yolo County's Nut Buying Period Begins to Combat Orchard Theft

Yolo County's Nut Buying Period Begins to Combat Orchard Theft
The Augusta Chronicle The Augusta Chronicle
Warrenville massage parlor employee arrested on prostitution charge

Warrenville massage parlor employee arrested on prostitution charge

A Warrenville massage parlor employee was arrested on prostitution charges following an undercover police operation.
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Slate's Affordable Electric Truck Challenges Conventional Auto Industry

Slate's Affordable Electric Truck Challenges Conventional Auto Industry

Slate's Affordable Electric Truck Challenges Conventional Auto Industry
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Sheriff Keith Swank Criticizes Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes After Reporter Clash

Sheriff Keith Swank Criticizes Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes After Reporter Clash

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank has publicly criticized Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, calling him an 'incompetent buffoon' following a heated exchange with a reporter. The incident occurred after Barnes was questioned about his absence during a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, where three people were killed. Barnes, who was attending a conference in Dallas at the time, faced backlash for not being present during the crisis. Swank, a former Seattle police officer, criticized Barnes's qualifications and leadership, suggesting that his appointment was a mistake.
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Retired State Trooper Faces $1M Bail in Double-Fatal DUI Crash in Pennsylvania

Retired State Trooper Faces $1M Bail in Double-Fatal DUI Crash in Pennsylvania

Thomas Reed, a retired state trooper, appeared in Clearfield County court where his bail was set at $1 million following charges related to a double-fatal crash. The incident occurred on Route 879 in Pike Township, Pennsylvania, where Reed's truck allegedly crossed the center line and collided with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of the van's female driver and a motorcyclist. Reed is accused of driving under the influence and faces nearly two dozen charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 26th.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
What state investigation of departing Reading police chief found

What state investigation of departing Reading police chief found

The Reading Police chief is retiring amid a state investigation into his access of a police database containing personal information, records show.
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Former Richland County Deputy Arrested for Misuse of Camera System

Former Richland County Deputy Arrested for Misuse of Camera System

A former deputy from the Richland County Sheriff's Department has been arrested following an internal audit that revealed misuse of the agency's Flock camera system. Russell Kenton II, aged 35, was charged with misconduct in office after it was discovered that he used the system to access information unrelated to law enforcement purposes. The misuse was identified during a routine audit conducted by the department's Professional Standards Division. Sheriff Leon Lott emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and stated that any violation of this trust would not be tolerated. Kenton was terminated from his position and is currently awaiting a bond hearing at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
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Washington's Fired Officers Often Find New Roles in Tribal Police Departments

Washington's Fired Officers Often Find New Roles in Tribal Police Departments

In Washington, a significant number of police officers who have been fired from their positions are finding new employment in tribal police departments. This trend is highlighted by the case of Robert Lee Anderson III, who was hired by the Lummi Nation Police Department after being dismissed from the Western Washington University Police Department for misconduct. Despite being fired for striking a handcuffed man, Anderson's certification remained active due to a backlog in investigations by the state's Criminal Justice Training Commission. This situation is not unique, as tribal police departments, which make up a small fraction of the state's law enforcement workforce, disproportionately hire officers who have been terminated elsewhere. The issue is compounded by the state's failure to promptly decertify officers accused of misconduct, allowing them to continue working in law enforcement.