Flock has become involved in another scandal.
A long-time investigator with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office was arrested Sept. 9 for misusing Flock Safety’s database and cameras. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple announced the news during a press conference held that afternoon.
Apple explained that 47-year-old investigator Laurie Moore, who has been with the sheriff’s office for 13 years, was arrested for using Flock to conduct unauthorized searches on five people, including an ex-girlfriend.
The suspect allegedly searched for individuals more than 4,000 times over almost two years.
How Moore Was Discovered
During the press conference, Apple explained how the department discovered Moore’s alleged misuse of Flock.
It began last Friday. The sheriff said that on Sep. 4, an “outside source” reported that an investigator was using Flock to find information on a “former acquaintance of hers.” After receiving the news, Apple directed staff to contact Flock and request an audit to be done on the department’s usage.
The Flock team flagged Moore, who Apple alleged ran “approximately 200 single searches on a single vehicle.”
The department learned that the license plate belonged to an ex-partner of hers. The audit also found four other license plates that the investigator searched for various times.
The sheriff clarified these searches were conducted for “no lawful purpose.”
Expanded Audit
After the Albany County Sheriff’s Office expanded the audit, it was discovered that Moore “tracked” her ex’s license plate on around 3,000 occasions, and ran the four other plates hundreds of times individually.
Apple also revealed that another member of the department was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The employee was not identified, and it is unclear what their involvement in the case was.
The Sheriff told the press that the unauthorized searches were a “breach” of the public trust.
Apple also called them a “gut punch,” explaining that he’s seen “the good” Flock and ALPRs can do. He said they have helped solve murders, burglaries, and other cases that wouldn’t have been otherwise.
Charges and Consequences
Moore faces charges for official misconduct and falsifying business records. Both charges are class A misdemeanors, the highest level of misdemeanors in New York.
The investigator was ordered to appear in the New Scotland Justice Court Sep. 24 at 5:00 p.m.
According to the New York law firm Tilem & Associates, a suspect charged with a class A misdemeanor may serve a maximum of 364 days in jail.
Suspects can also face up to three years of probation, fines of $1,000 including surcharges, and restitution if applicable.
Additionally, suspects could be ordered to do community service, and could lose their firearms and “professional licenses.”