Police officers accused of using Flock surveillance cameras to track ex-partners

Two separate incidents involving the misuse of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras by police officers have drawn scrutiny to the surveillance technology.

In South Carolina, Ellie Anna Hammond, 24, was terminated from the Maudlin Police Department following allegations that she used Flock cameras to run her former partner’s license plate 166 times between March and July. While Hammond claimed the searches were for warrant, traffic, or welfare checks, department documents indicated these claims were untrue.

In Massachusetts, Officer Emily Pacheco of the New Bedford Police Department is under investigation following allegations of stalking and harassment. An ex-girlfriend filed an affidavit alleging that Pacheco used Flock cameras to track her movements. Pacheco admitted in court to running the license plate but maintained the actions were work-related. A protective order has been extended against Pacheco for six months, and the New Bedford Police Department has temporarily suspended its use of Flock cameras.