The Vero Beach Police Department has placed an officer on administrative leave with pay amid an investigation into alleged misuse of the Flock Safety license plate reader system. The department launched the investigation after being contacted by a news organization.
"The Vero Beach Police Department remains committed to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that law enforcement technology is used only for legitimate and authorized purposes," the department said in a statement.
The investigation comes as several local municipalities are restricting the use of automated license plate readers such as Flock. A former Fort Pierce police officer was recently accused of misusing law enforcement databases to track his ex-girlfriend. His court case is pending.