A San Jose police officer has been fired for allegedly misusing Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) data, providing vehicle information to his cousin who was a suspect in a domestic violence case. The officer used his personal phone to access the Flock camera system and locate the suspect's intended victim, according to a Friday statement from the San Jose Police Department.
San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph stated, “When an officer violates the public’s trust this severely, my responsibility is clear: that person cannot remain in a position of police authority, and they cannot wear the San Jose badge. This technology is new; the standard is not.”
The firing followed a yearlong investigation. The officer was dismissed in April, as reported by The Mercury News. The information reportedly allowed his cousin to track down a woman who had accused him of abuse. Although the officer's access to the Flock system was authorized, and he did not technically commit a crime, law enforcement officials have since prohibited access to the Flock system on personal devices.
The incident highlights growing concerns and criticisms surrounding the use of Flock cameras. This is not the first instance of alleged misuse. In April, a Costa Mesa officer pleaded guilty to using Flock ALPR data to locate his mistress and a romantic rival. More recently, a New York sheriff’s investigator was arrested for allegedly using the cameras to track an ex-girlfriend’s car thousands of times.
In 2025, a lawsuit was filed against the city of San Jose and its police department, alleging that the use of Flock cameras infringes upon individuals’ rights.
Approximately 500 Flock cameras are deployed throughout San Jose. The fired officer and his cousin have not yet been charged in connection with the incident.
Public opinion on the technology remains divided. One resident expressed concern, telling ABC 7, “It makes me feel less safe. I feel like they’re trying to just kind of mass monitor everyone.” However, another resident, Binh Nguyen, believes the cameras enhance public safety, stating, “With technology like that, with a flock camera that runs 24 seven, you can’t do any more illegal like you used to.”