The Case of Flock Surveillance System Abuse in Wisconsin
Proponents of video surveillance systems like Flock Safety often argue that cameras pose no problem for those with nothing to hide. However, a new story from Wisconsin shatters this argument. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.
Police Officer Christian Morales from the Menasha Police Department appeared in court following his arrest. He is charged with an official crime of misconduct in public office, which can be punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and a fine.
Who Watches the Watchers?
Interestingly, the investigation began based on a complaint from the very victim of the abuse, who approached the police with suspicions that Officer Morales was improperly using the Flock system. According to the investigation, he conducted seven searches in the system, five of which concerned the victim’s vehicles, and two – his brother’s car.
According to the criminal case, one of these searches occurred on October 9 between 9 and 10 a.m., and the reason stated in the system was “welfare.” Police claim that Morales later confessed to conducting the searches while off duty, explaining his actions as stemming from desperation, poor judgment, and lack of sleep. He also admitted to knowing that such use of the system was improper.
Not an Isolated Incident
Unfortunately, Morales is not the only officer accused of similar behavior. A police officer in Georgia was fired after being found to have misused the system for corporate espionage. In this case, the problem was discovered not by Flock or local law enforcement, but by the very company the officer was allegedly trying to help, according to the investigation.
Another officer in Missouri was dismissed due to improper use of the system. The department did not provide details but noted that the state highway patrol is considering criminal prosecution.
Quite tellingly, the misuse was only discovered after a citizen’s request for access to Flock camera usage records.
Systemic Control Problems
This appears to be a systemic problem. In all three cases we have highlighted, the issue was discovered not by law enforcement or Flock Safety, but by private citizens. This is important to remember when someone claims such surveillance systems are safe if you have nothing to hide.
These incidents raise serious questions about internal control and audit mechanisms within law enforcement agencies that use powerful surveillance technologies. The lack of transparency and proactive monitoring creates an environment where abuse is possible, and its detection often depends on chance or the activity of individual citizens. The discussion of the balance between security and privacy takes on new shades when the very tools meant to ensure law and order become objects of misuse. The question of ethics, proper training, and strict regulation of access to such systems is becoming increasingly relevant for society as a whole.