University of Georgia employee disciplined for unauthorized database use

The University of Georgia Police Department (UGAPD) has demoted and issued a 20-day unpaid suspension to a civilian IT employee following the unauthorized use of the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) database.

A periodic audit revealed the employee accessed the system twice in 2025 to investigate off-campus incidents of personal interest: a hit-and-run involving a family member’s vehicle and a theft at a local business. While the employee had technical access to the database, an Internal Affairs investigation determined he lacked required permission from his supervisor and had not been requested to assist by the other law enforcement agencies involved.

UGAPD Chief Jeff Clark stated the behavior violated departmental policy regarding the misuse of law enforcement databases and the failure to notify the chain of command. The department has since implemented stricter safeguards, including requiring supervisor approval at the sergeant level or higher for all internal searches and monthly reviews to ensure policy compliance.