Savannah mayor addresses firing of 6 officers over Flock Safety System misuse

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is speaking out after six Savannah Police Department employees were fired over accusations of misuse of the department’s Flock Safety License Plate Reader system.

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

“It’s embarrassing as hell to us. Obviously, this has made national news,” Johnson said.

City says it self-reported the misconduct

Johnson said the city did not attempt to conceal the alleged misuse. He said the accused employees were identified and reported internally — not as a result of any outside discovery.

MORE: Savannah Police investigating 6 employees over alleged misuse of license plate reader system

The mayor said public trust is his top priority.

Mayor cites limits on public disclosure

Johnson acknowledged ongoing public concern about whether similar misconduct could occur again.

“It’s been a lot of chatter. People ‘Oh my gosh. This could happen again.’ Yeah, it could happen again. I think that the incentives for it happening again has certainly been taken away from individuals who have lost their jobs and individuals that may lose their freedom,” Johnson said.

The mayor said steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence. He said an active Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe and the appeal process for the former employees limit what the city can publicly disclose at this time. Johnson said he will release additional information as soon as possible.