Savannah Police investigates six employees over alleged misuse of license plate reader system

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah Police Department has placed six employees on administrative leave after an internal audit identified potential misuse of the department’s license plate reader system, according to a press release.

The audit flagged activity within the Flock Safety License Plate Reader system involving four officers and two civilian staff members.

SPD referred all six cases to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an independent criminal investigation.

According to the department, the employees allegedly conducted searches unrelated to law enforcement, including searches focused on personal acquaintances and family members. One officer also allegedly provided access to the SPD Flock system to someone from an outside law enforcement agency.

SPD launched its internal investigation Monday, July 27, after the department’s auditing and oversight processes identified the potential violations.

Employees found to have misused the system face punishment up to termination and possible criminal prosecution.

“Misuse of law enforcement tools and technology by SPD staff will not be tolerated,” Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther said in the statement.

“The public places tremendous trust in us, and that trust must be earned every day. Our officers are entrusted with powerful investigative tools because they have a responsibility to use them lawfully, ethically, and only for legitimate public safety purposes. When our internal oversight identified activity that raised concerns, we acted immediately.”

Every search conducted within the Flock Safety platform is electronically documented, including the user, date, time and reason for the search. Those records allow the department to audit system activity and identify potential misuse.

SPD said it has also implemented recurring weekly audits conducted by the Office of Professional Standards to ensure continued compliance with department policy and to flag irregular activity.

The investigation is ongoing.