Documented Incident
Lynn, Mass. police restrict Flock access after audit flags 'concerning pattern' in searches
First reported: September 9, 2026 · 1 source
Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy told the City Council on Tuesday that the department is overhauling its Flock camera policy after an internal audit identified what he described as a concerning pattern of searches. Two Lynn officers were placed on paid administrative leave in mid-August after the audit, and an internal affairs investigation was opened. The changes include mandatory monthly audits, cutting data retention from 30 days to 7 days, and limiting system access to 23 department members ranked lieutenant or above.
The case shows an ALPR audit function actually surfacing anomalies and prompting policy change, and offers other departments a concrete template of retention limits, access tiers, and public reporting. The underlying internal affairs investigation remains open, so no findings of misconduct have been announced.
Key facts
- An audit of Lynn PD's Flock system flagged a pattern of searches; two officers were placed on paid administrative leave in mid-August and an internal affairs investigation was initiated.
- Data retention is being reduced from 30 days to 7 days, with mandatory monthly audits.
- System access will be limited to 23 members ranked lieutenant or higher, with additions only at the chief's direction; all users must sign a written acknowledgement of policy requirements.
- Data sharing is to be limited to Massachusetts law enforcement agencies, and the department plans a public transparency portal listing alert categories and sharing partners.
- Chief Christopher Reddy said the department is seeking to implement the strongest safeguards in the Commonwealth; the internal investigation has not produced publicly reported findings.
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- Lynn Police tighten Flock camera access after audit finds ‘concerning pattern’ (Boston 25 News, September 9, 2026)
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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 9, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.