Full Breakdown
Police Use of License-Plate Readers Sparks Misuse Cases Across States
8/20/2026, 1:50:57 AM
Misuse of ALPR Technology: Recent Cases
Police officers in Florida, Massachusetts and Wisconsin have each been documented using automated license-plate reader (ALPR) systems to locate and confront private individuals for personal reasons. In Florida, Officer Lamar Roman placed a woman’s plate on a “hot list,” pursued her on the highway and pulled her over without legal justification. In Massachusetts, Officer Emily Pacheco ran her ex-girlfriend’s plate through the Flock network dozens of times after their breakup, prompting an abuse-prevention order and a departmental suspension of the technology. In Wisconsin, Officer Cristian Morales performed seven Flock searches between October 7 and October 14, five targeting the victim’s vehicles, and was later sentenced to jail and probation for stalking and misconduct.
Background & Context
ALPR systems automatically scan every passing vehicle’s plate and store the data for law-enforcement queries. Companies such as Guardian (produced by Turing) and Flock market the tools for crime-solving, but the same capability can be repurposed to track individuals who are not suspects.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lamar Roman – Florida officer who misused DMV and ALPR databases.
- Emily Pacheco – New Bedford officer accused of repeatedly tracking her ex-girlfriend.
- Cristian Morales – Menasha officer who conducted unauthorized Flock searches.
- Jenna Moeller – Detective who investigated Roman’s conduct.
- Flock – Provider of statewide ALPR camera networks.
- Guardian – ALPR system used by Roman’s department.
- Institute for Justice – Nonprofit that has documented police ALPR abuse cases.
Timeline
- October 7 – Morales began a series of Flock searches.
- October 9 (9-10 a.m.) – One search listed “welfare” as the reason for tracking the victim’s car.
- October 14 – Final documented search before the investigation closed.
- April 2024 – Pacheco’s ex-girlfriend reports endless calls and unauthorized tracking.
- May–June 2024 – Pacheco’s Flock searches rise to 259 in May and 220 in June.
- August 2024 – Roman is arrested and charged with stalking and improper database access.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
The New Bedford Police Department announced a temporary suspension of Flock cameras while an internal affairs investigation proceeds. Police Chief Jason Thody emphasized the department’s duty to balance public-safety benefits with privacy concerns. In Wisconsin, Judge Mark Schroeder labeled Morales “an oath breaker” during sentencing.
On-the-Ground Reports
Roman’s target recounted feeling “uncomfortable” as the officer cut off traffic, followed her, and pulled her over after confirming her identity via the “hot list.” The victim in the Pacheco case detailed repeated appearances at her home, prompting an abuse-prevention order and the surrender of her firearms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Counts of ALPR abuse vary: the Washington Post’s figure of at least 50 incidents differs from the Institute for Justice’s “dozens,” and Flock’s internal acknowledgment provides no precise number. No comprehensive national audit of ALPR usage exists, leaving the true scale of unauthorized tracking unclear.
