Indiana State Police investigating former Chesterton officer's Flock license plate searches

First reported: September 3, 2026 · 3 sources

Indiana State Police are investigating whether a former corporal with the Chesterton Police Department broke state law in how he used the Flock Safety license plate reader system during 2024 and 2025, according to authorities cited by The Times of Northwest Indiana. The report also notes that Porter County officials, facing public pressure over reported Flock camera abuses, are seeking outside investigations. Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann said he is requesting an independent review of his own earlier decision not to bring criminal charges in a related matter. No charges have been reported filed against the former corporal, and the investigation remains open.

Why this matters

The case tests whether audit trails from license plate reader systems can lead to accountability when officers are alleged to have run searches improperly, and the prosecutor's request for outside review raises questions about who reviews charging decisions involving local police.

Key facts

Indiana State Police are examining the former Chesterton police corporal's Flock searches from 2024 and 2025 for possible violations of state law.
No charges against the former corporal have been reported; the inquiry is ongoing.
Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann said he is seeking an independent review of his decision not to file criminal charges in a related matter.
County officials are reported to be pursuing outside investigations of alleged Flock camera misuse amid public pressure.

Timeline

September 3, 2026Former Chesterton police corporal investigated over Flock searches
September 3, 2026State police to investigate ex-Chesterton police officer for Flock camera data access
September 4, 2026Special prosecutor appointed in ex-Chesterton police officer Flock case

Sources

This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.

Former Chesterton police corporal investigated over Flock searches (The Times Of Northwest Indiana | Breaking News | R, September 3, 2026)
State police to investigate ex-Chesterton police officer for Flock camera data access (Chicago Tribune, September 3, 2026)
Special prosecutor appointed in ex-Chesterton police officer Flock case (Chicago Tribune, September 4, 2026)

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About this record

BlockFlockNow documents reported incidents involving Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers: council votes, contract decisions, misuse by authorized users, lawsuits, audits, and community response. Every record is reviewed by a person before publication. New to the topic? Start with What is Flock?, find meetings near you, or learn how to request your town's camera records.

Updated September 14, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.