NEW BEDFORD, Mass.- Two New Bedford police officers face possible termination after an internal investigation found they misused the department’s Flock Safety license plate reader system and violated department policies.
Police Chief Jason Thody is recommending that Officer Emily Pacheco and Sgt. James Marinelli be fired. Both officers will have an opportunity to respond at disciplinary hearings, which could ultimately lead to their termination.
The investigation began July 31, when Thody ordered an audit of the department’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader technology after concerns were raised about possible misuse.
The audit identified activity involving Pacheco that raised concerns about unauthorized use. Her access to the Flock system was immediately suspended, and the matter was sent to the department’s Professional Standards Unit for further investigation.
Pacheco was placed on administrative duty when she returned to work Aug. 1. She was later placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 10 following the issuance of an Emergency Restraining Order in a court-related matter.
The investigation found that Pacheco used the department’s ALPR system and other department resources in ways that were not connected to legitimate law enforcement work. Investigators also found instances of inaccurate information being entered into department systems, failures to follow procedures and conduct that did not meet the standards expected of department personnel.
The investigation also found that Marinelli misused the Flock system. His activity was identified during the ongoing audit on Aug. 5, and his access was deactivated that day.
According to the department, Marinelli used the system for personal reasons, including searches that could not be shown to be legitimate police inquiries. Some of the reasons entered for those searches were also found to be inaccurate or unsupported.
“Members of the New Bedford Police Department are entrusted with authority and access to sensitive information that the general public does not have,” said Thody. “Our officers are held to a higher standard, and when that trust is violated, it is exceptionally disappointing and damaging. While the Flock audit brought these concerns to our attention, the misconduct identified goes far beyond the misuse of Flock technology. The technology did not fail us; these officers failed us, and they must be held accountable.”
Thody said he is continuing to review the department’s rules governing license plate reader technology. He is also seeking input from New Bedford residents on safeguards that could prevent misuse while addressing privacy concerns and maintaining the technology’s public safety benefits.
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