How could the internal audit on police misconduct affect the New Bedford city council?
City council may develop new rules for police surveillance technology The internal audit revealed that two New Bedford police officers misused Flock Safety’s Automatic License Plate Reader system, leading to their firings. In response to this breach of public trust, Mayor Jon Mitchell and Police Chief Jason Thody launched a wide-ranging examination of the department’s use of ALPR technology. As part of this review, Mitchell stated that he, Thody, and members of the New Bedford City Council are currently developing a regulatory framework intended to guide any future use of ALPR by the city.
- Effect
- Mixed
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Within months
- The story
- Gone quiet
How it reaches city council
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Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the firing of two New Bedford police officers following an internal audit conducted by the New Bedford police department. The investigation determined that Officer Emily Pacheco and Sgt. James Martinelli misused Flock Safety’s Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) system and violated department regulations. Pacheco was flagged for searching one license plate 658 times and a second plate 229 times, while Martinelli searched one plate 68 times. Access to the Flock Safety system for both officers was suspended after the investigation began on July 31, 2026.
The full event1independent outlet -
Following the misconduct, Mayor Jon Mitchell and Police Chief Jason Thody launched a wide-ranging examination of the department’s approach to ALPR technology. Mitchell stated that he, Thody, and members of the New Bedford City Council are in the process of developing a regulatory framework to guide any future use of ALPR by the City.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- whdh.com Oct 22
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Two New Bedford police officers were fired following internal investigations into their misuse of Flock Safety’s Automatic License Plate Reader system.whdh.com
- Officer Emily Pacheco was flagged for searching one license plate 658 times between January and July of this year.whdh.com
- Mitchell, Thody, and members of the New Bedford City Council are in the process of developing a regulatory framework that would guide any future use of ALPR by the City.whdh.com
- New Bedford shut off their Flock cameras in August.whdh.com
Why it matters
The city council's involvement in creating a regulatory framework represents a significant shift in local governance regarding surveillance. This framework will determine the legal and operational boundaries for how the New Bedford Police Department can use advanced technology like ALPR, directly impacting public safety practices and civil liberties within the city.
This action follows a pattern of scrutiny regarding police technology use. The misconduct uncovered by the internal audit, which involved officers searching plates based on personal beliefs, highlights a breach of public trust. The city council's role is crucial in translating this failure of compliance into enforceable policy.
What we don't know yet
- What specific parameters will the new regulatory framework impose on ALPR usage?
- Will the new framework mandate the reintroduction of Flock cameras, or will the shutdown in August remain permanent?
What would change this answer
Reporting
- whdh.comOct 22
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