STOW, Mass.- Stow police have removed their remaining Flock automated license plate reader and ended the department’s relationship with Flock Safety as an officer faces a criminal complaint following an investigation into alleged misuse of police databases.
Jason Rogers was placed on paid administrative leave June 18, 2026, after a victim reported that he had allegedly used law enforcement databases to obtain information about someone he knew. His access to department systems was revoked within three hours, according to police.
An internal affairs investigation found that Rogers accessed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) system at least five times. Investigators also found that he searched vehicle information through Flock Safety and CJIS on multiple dates without a legitimate law enforcement reason.
The investigation resulted in findings including conduct unbecoming of an officer, improper use of his position, failure to follow written orders, use of false and unsubstantiated search reasons, and violations of department database policies.
Rogers was placed on unpaid leave July 31. An employment status hearing originally scheduled for July 30 was postponed and is now scheduled for Aug. 26.
The police department has also filed a criminal complaint seeking charges against Rogers. The case was forwarded to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.
Police Chief Michael Sallese sent the internal affairs report to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), which can take action regarding Rogers’ police certification.
Following the investigation, Sallese ended the department’s relationship with Flock Safety. The department removed its final Flock license plate reader in early August. Two other automated license plate readers had already been removed earlier in 2026.
Sallese said the department plans to present a new policy governing the use of automated license plate readers to the Stow Select Board. The policy would establish specific rules for their use, require supervisory approval and strengthen logging and reporting requirements.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with access to sensitive information solely so they can perform their official duties and protect the public,” Sallese said. “Using that access for a personal purpose is a serious violation of that trust, and it is a crime.”
Town Administrator Denise M. Dembkoski said the alleged conduct does not represent the department’s standards and said town officials will continue working to ensure sensitive law enforcement information is properly protected.
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