The Savannah Police Department says six employees have been placed on administrative leave after an internal audit found potential misuse of the department’s Flock Safety license plate reader system. The department says four officers and two civilian employees are facing possible discipline, including termination. All six cases have also been referred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an independent criminal investigation. SPD says the alleged misuse was discovered through its auditing and oversight processes as part of the Flock Safety Audit Assistance Program. The department launched its internal investigation Monday, July 27. According to SPD, the employees allegedly used the license plate reader system for searches unrelated to law enforcement purposes, including searches involving personal acquaintances and family members. The department also says one officer allegedly provided access to the SPD Flock system to personnel from an outside law enforcement agency. “Misuse of law enforcement tools and technology by SPD staff will not be tolerated,” Savannah Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther said in a statement. “The public places tremendous trust in us, and that trust must be earned every day.” SPD says every search conducted through the Flock Safety platform is recorded, including the user, date, time and reason for the search. The department says it has also added weekly audits through its Office of Professional Standards to identify any unusual activity. The…
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