4,000 Times? Albany County Investigator Accused of Misusing Police Cameras

What the Flock!

If you’ve ever wondered just how much technology can potentially track our movements, this story out of Albany County is pretty eye-opening.

It's also another reason why these Flock cameras are polarizing.

According to reports, Albany County Sheriff’s Office senior investigator Laurie Moore is accused of conducting more than 4,000 unauthorized searches using the Flock license plate reader camera system.

And perhaps the wildest allegation of all is that authorities say Moore, 47, searched for a former girlfriend’s vehicle around 3,000 times. Investigators say they also searched four other license plates belonging to people known to Moore hundreds of times.

Photo: Albany County Sheriff's Office

What Are Flock Cameras Used For?

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers located along roadways. Rather than continuously recording video, the cameras capture images of passing vehicles and use technology to identify license plates and other vehicle characteristics.

Law enforcement can then search that information during investigations.

Photo: Canva

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple says the technology has helped solve murders, burglaries, and theft cases, and Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon noted it can also help locate missing children and answer families.

In most instances, I think we can all agree that Flock cameras can make our communities safer, but how can we trust the people using them?

Sheriff Apple Says It's a "Breach of Trust"

Apple called what happened a “breach of trust” and says it has since tightened access to the system with additional audits and supervisory oversight.

Moore, a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has been suspended indefinitely and charged with official misconduct and falsifying business records, both misdemeanors. She is scheduled to appear in New Scotland Town Court on September 24th, according to the report.

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The technology may be invaluable. But stuff like this makes you think about who’s watching the people who are doing the watching?

All parties are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations, and this story may be updated as additional details become available. Have a tip, correction, or additional information about this story? Email brian@wgna.com.