Internal investigator confirms past Flock misuse within Savannah Police Department

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A former Savannah Police officer is appealing his termination over the misuse of Flock camera technology. A hearing on the appeal was held Monday and lasted several hours.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Savannah Police Department fires 6 employees over Flock Safety System misuse

During the hearing, an internal investigator with the Savannah Police Department confirmed there has been Flock misuse within the department in the past. The investigator said the department handled those instances internally and did not involve the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Another SPD witness and head of training said the department has no formal training for Flock because it is a vendor product.

MORE: 4 SPD employees arrested for Flock misuse; GBI investigation still underway

Matthew Rich appeared at the hearing on Monday. The 39-year-old was fired from the Savannah Police Department and charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office. Rich was one of four Savannah Police Department employees arrested for Flock misuse.

• Marquis Dillard, 48, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Donald Phillips, 23, of Fleming, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Matthew Rich, 39, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.
• Calandic Thomas, 34, of Pooler, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system.

SEE: ‘The people in power need to be held accountable’: Reactions to Savannah Flock camera arrests

Former Cpl. Matthew Rich admitted to conducting six illegal license plate hits, including two involving his wife and four involving one of her coworkers.

Testimony addresses training and policy

Five SPD officers testified about training, policy and precedent during the hearing.

SPD’s training unit commander testified the department has no dedicated Flock policy or training. The admission raised questions about the steps that led to Rich’s firing.

Savannah assistant city attorney Denise Cooper pushed back on characterizations of the firing as political, saying officers need to respect the systems they use.

“And not try and make excuses for their lack of respect for systems and opportunities to take advantage of the systems in place,” Cooper said. “Everyone would love to go in and find out what’s going on with their ex boyfriend or girlfriend. This is not public information hanging out. He was not at library, he didn’t sign up for some subscription to Flock. He misused his oath of office and accessed our system for his own personal gain. Let’s not forget that.”

Two more misuse cases surface

Two additional Flock misuse cases were disclosed during the hearing. Both predate four previously reported cases.

One officer involved in the newly disclosed cases was fired for aggravated stalking. Another received a verbal warning for what SPD called a paperwork error and remained on the force.

SPD does not have an official Flock misuse disciplinary chart, which leaves room for interpretation in Rich’s case.

Next steps

Rich is one of four officers awaiting a recommendation from the civil service board, expected in seven to 10 business days. The Savannah city manager will then make a final decision.

Another Flock misuse case is scheduled to be heard Oct. 13.

What is the Civil Service Board?

The Civil Service Board was established in 1949 by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia for the purpose of hearing and determining the appeals and complaints respecting the administrative work of the Director, and such other matters as may be referred to the Board by the Director, to make such investigations as may be requested by the Mayor or the Aldermen where general city employees are affected, or on its own motion and to report thereon. Its basic function is to hear appeals from disciplinary action against an employee when it is alleged the action is taken for political or religious reasons.