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New Bedford dismisses two officers after probe finds personal use of plate-reader system
Officers Emily Pacheco and James Martinelli were fired after an investigation found repeated misuse of the city’s Flock license plate reader technology. Police Chief Jason Thody said access to sensitive law-enforcement information must be used only for legitimate police work.
Two New Bedford police officers were fired after a department investigation found they repeatedly used the city’s Flock license plate reader system for personal reasons, city officials said Thursday, Oct. 22.
The officers were identified as Emily Pacheco and James Martinelli. Police Chief Jason Thody said the investigation found a pattern of misuse and violations of department rules and policies.
“ Our officers are entrusted with access to sensitive law enforcement information and are expected to use that access only for legitimate law enforcement purposes,” Thody said in a statement.
Flock systems use cameras to scan vehicle license plates, creating records that law enforcement can search. The dismissals underscore the importance of safeguards and oversight when police use technology that can track people’s movements. City officials did not provide further details about the officers’ searches or the investigation in their statement.