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St. Charles County Police Discontinue Flock Camera Use Following Employee Misconduct

St. Charles County Police Discontinue Flock Camera Use Following Employee Misconduct

The St. Charles County Police Department has announced it is discontinuing its use of Flock Safety license plate readers after discovering a civilian employee misused system data. The department's decision came after an audit tool, provided by Flock representatives, revealed an "abnormal pattern of searches" by the former worker. Police Chief Kurt Frisz initiated an internal investigation, which led to the employee admitting to using the data inappropriately for personal, non-law enforcement reasons. The individual was placed on unpaid leave and subsequently resigned after receiving a notice of termination. While the department found no other unauthorized usage patterns during the audit timeframe, access to historical Flock data has now been restricted to a limited number of key supervisors and Regional Intelligence and Information Center officers, with regular audits planned. The 28 Flock cameras in the county have been covered and will be retrieved by the company.
Springfield News-Leader Springfield News-Leader
Willard Police Department will end Flock camera contract

Willard Police Department will end Flock camera contract

The Willard Police Department won't renew its contract for license plate readers with Flock Safety after pushback from community members.
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Former Kenosha County Deputy Charged with Misusing Flock Camera System to Track Ex-Girlfriend

Former Kenosha County Deputy Charged with Misusing Flock Camera System to Track Ex-Girlfriend

A former Kenosha County deputy, Frank McGrath, is facing two felony counts for allegedly misusing the Flock camera network to track his then-girlfriend. Prosecutors state that McGrath, while off duty, searched his then-girlfriend’s personal license plate 16 to 17 times on September 30 of last year using the Flock system. A criminal complaint indicates that the woman is also a Kenosha County deputy, and McGrath reportedly used another system to search her body camera and squad car locations last fall. Investigators noted that each time McGrath accessed the Flock database, he cited 'suspicious' as the reason. Internal investigative documents from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s office reveal McGrath initially claimed he was 'testing new features' but later admitted they were 'having problems' and he suspected she 'might be with another guy.' McGrath resigned from the department last December, and his first court appearance is scheduled for September 17. This incident marks the third time an officer in southeast...
Arizona Republic Arizona Republic
What was motive for violent Phoenix traffic stop? Many questions remain

What was motive for violent Phoenix traffic stop? Many questions remain

Two officers are under arrest, but unanswered questions remain after a violent traffic stop in south Phoenix. What happens next in the investigation?
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Quincy Police Department Limits Access to Flock License Plate Camera Data Amid Misuse Concerns

Quincy Police Department Limits Access to Flock License Plate Camera Data Amid Misuse Concerns

The Quincy Police Department has restricted access to Flock Safety’s license plate camera platform to only 50 out of its approximately 240 officers. This decision follows growing concerns and reports of misuse of the surveillance technology across Massachusetts. Searches conducted by Quincy police are now audited and must be linked to an investigation with a case number, and confined to the city’s borders. This move comes as other departments in the state, such as Wellesley, have ended their pilot programs or contracts with Flock Safety due to similar issues. The broader context includes multiple investigations into police officers for misusing the technology, including cases of alleged stalking and unauthorized tracking of individuals. Critics argue that the technology facilitates widespread sharing of personal data and intrusive searches without warrants, and some departments have cooperated with federal agents for immigration purposes.
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AI Companies Face FTC Complaint Over Destructive Book Scanning Practices

AI Companies Face FTC Complaint Over Destructive Book Scanning Practices

AI Companies Face FTC Complaint Over Destructive Book Scanning Practices
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Will County Board Approves Flock Cameras in Multiple Suburban Areas

Will County Board Approves Flock Cameras in Multiple Suburban Areas

The Will County Board has approved the installation of Flock license plate reading cameras in several suburban areas, including Mokena, Crete, Manhattan, Frankfort, Naperville, and Wilmington. This decision follows the recent adoption of stricter rules and policies for the technology by these municipalities. The approval comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding the potential misuse of these cameras. For example, a former Wisconsin sheriff's deputy has been charged with using Flock cameras to track a co-worker for personal reasons, and an officer in suburban Itasca was dismissed for allegedly misusing the technology. Despite these concerns, the Will County Board has moved forward with expanding the use of these cameras in an effort to enhance public safety and law enforcement capabilities.
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17-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot at Independence High School Football Game in Bakersfield

17-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot at Independence High School Football Game in Bakersfield

A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot at Independence High School in Bakersfield, California, on Friday night during the school's first high school football game of the season. The Bakersfield Police Department responded to reports of shots fired after 8 p.m. Officers found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds south of the football field, inside the gates of the stadium. The boy was transported to Kern Medical, where he was later pronounced dead. Bakersfield Police Sergeant Eric Celedon stated that preliminary investigations suggest the incident began as an isolated altercation between a group of individuals, which escalated into the shooting. Police have indicated there is no ongoing threat to the community. The Bakersfield Police Department and the Kern High School Police Department are collaborating to process the scene and identify the perpetrator. Limited suspect information is available at this time, and authorities have not verified videos circulating on a local Instagram page.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
More than 1,000 Flock cameras watch Cincinnati area. Resistance is growing

More than 1,000 Flock cameras watch Cincinnati area. Resistance is growing

Police use Flock cameras to solve crimes, but critics fear the surveillance network is being abused by police.
Arizona Republic Arizona Republic
Monsoon storm damages roof at Marcos de Niza High School

Monsoon storm damages roof at Marcos de Niza High School

A high school in Tempe experienced significant roof damage and forced some students to relocate to nearby classrooms.
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Quincy Public Schools Employee Charged with Aggravated Battery of Disabled Person and Domestic Battery

Quincy Public Schools Employee Charged with Aggravated Battery of Disabled Person and Domestic Battery

Charis Loertscher, a 44-year-old employee of Quincy Public Schools, made her initial appearance in Adams County Circuit Court on Thursday after being charged with aggravated battery of a disabled person and domestic battery. Judge Joshua Jones ordered Loertscher's release while she awaits trial, with conditions including reporting to the county’s pretrial services and undergoing a mental health examination. Pending the examination results, Loertscher is prohibited from having contact with any minor children, including her own, and will be allowed one supervised visit to her home to collect personal belongings. The investigation began on Wednesday morning with the assistance of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Quincy police detectives and DCFS investigators reviewed video evidence and interviewed staff at Iles Elementary School, where the incident occurred. According to the police report, Loertscher allegedly pushed and kicked a student with a disability outside the school.
The Augusta Chronicle The Augusta Chronicle
Richmond County school police detain parent with gun at high school

Richmond County school police detain parent with gun at high school

Richmond County school police detained a parent found with a gun in the parking lot of Hephzibah High School.