UGA police IT worker demoted for misusing Flock cameras, school says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A civilian employee with the University of Georgia Police Department (UGAPD) has been disciplined for allegedly misusing the office’s Flock camera system.

The employee, who has not been identified, works in the IT department. His use was discovered during an audit, and he was suspended for 20 business days without pay and demoted.

MORE: Are you being tracked? How to find Flock cameras or see if you’ve been searched in metro Atlanta

UGAPD said an investigation determined his actions weren’t criminal. The man used the system twice in 2025 to look into off-campus incidents — one a hit-and-run involving a family member’s car, and the other a theft from a local business, the department said.

According to the department, the man had access to the system but didn’t have permission to use it.

“Our campus community trusts us to be forthright and transparent, and these core values are essential to uphold the integrity of the University of Georgia Police Department,” UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said in a statement. “This staff member’s behavior constitutes a clear violation of departmental policy, particularly regarding misuse of a law enforcement database and failure to notify the chain of command.”

ANF INVESTIGATES: Flock worker calls police on ANF chief investigator filming public camera installation

In recent months, dozens, if not hundreds, of law enforcement officers have been fired and arrested for allegedly misusing their department’s Flock cameras all over the nation, including in Georgia. UGAPD said it tightened its Flock camera policies in July and will conduct monthly search audits.

In the past decade, UGA has invested more than $30 million in automatic license plate readers as part of safety initiatives, the police department said.

“We know our campus community has high expectations for the University of Georgia, not only in how we strive to make our campus safe and secure but also in how we maintain proper oversight and transparency in all we do,” Dan Silk, the university’s associate vice president for public safety, said in a statement. “We are committed to meeting that standard of excellence.”

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

3 Gwinnett police officers fired, charged for alleged Flock camera misuse

Another Hall County deputy resigns amid investigation into unauthorized Flock searches

3 Hall County deputies resign after being accused of misusing Flock cameras

GDC special agent arrested after being accused of misusing Flock cameras

Clayton County deputy arrested, accused of Flock camera misuse