*A Florida police officer is accused of repeatedly checking a law enforcement camera system for information about his estranged wife’s vehicle, WAFB reports.
Christopher Goodson, who has served with the Haines City Police Department since March 2022, allegedly entered his estranged wife’s license plate number into the department’s Flock database 717 times between Sept. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026. Investigators say the searches were conducted both while Goodson was working and when he was off duty.
Goodson reportedly acknowledged making multiple inquiries into his wife’s vehicle when questioned by a supervisor. He explained that he wanted to know where his children were when they were in their mother’s care.
The investigation has now resulted in two criminal charges. Goodson faces one count of official misconduct and one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices.
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The department said Goodson has been placed on paid administrative leave. He plans to resign as a result of the investigation.
Haines City Police Chief Isaac Jackson described the matter as “an unfortunate incident” and stressed that officers are expected to use law enforcement technology appropriately.
“We want to make it clear that the Haines City Police Department does not tolerate the misuse, unauthorized access, or personal use of any investigative databases or law-enforcement information systems,” Jackson said (via PEOPLE). “These resources are provided for legitimate official purposes only and must be used responsibly and in accordance with department policies and applicable laws.”
In response to the investigation, Jackson ordered additional quarterly reviews of employee access to the systems to ensure personnel are using them appropriately.
Flock says its technology contributed to roughly 1 million police investigations last year and helped locate about 10,000 missing people. The company is facing mounting scrutiny after allegations that police officers across the country have used its license plate reader technology to track people for personal reasons, Axios reported.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Flock Cameras Face Backlash as Police Misuse Fuels Privacy Concerns
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