Documented Incident
New Bedford police chief recommends firing two officers after Flock database misuse probe
First reported: September 4, 2026 · 8 sources
New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody announced Thursday that internal investigations found Officer Emily Pacheco and Sergeant James Marinelli used the department's Flock license plate reader database for personal purposes, and that he is recommending both be terminated. Investigators reported Pacheco ran hundreds of searches on plates linked to an ex-girlfriend — cited as 658 and 229 searches — and said her explanation of a narcotics investigation was not credible. Marinelli was accused of using Flock as a form of electronic surveillance to track a romantic partner and that partner's ex, logging personal queries under pretexts such as traffic violations and welfare checks. Both officers are entitled to hearings, with findings going to Mayor Jon Mitchell for a final decision.
The case illustrates how ALPR systems can be misused for personal surveillance when access is broad and auditing is infrequent, and New Bedford's response — a first-ever comprehensive audit and a proposed set of safeguards — offers a test case for other departments weighing oversight of Flock deployments.
Key facts
- Chief Jason Thody said the July 31 audit he ordered was the department's first and only comprehensive review since it contracted with Flock in 2024, despite an ALPR policy calling for routine audits.
- Roughly 100 New Bedford officers had Flock login credentials allowing access by computer or phone.
- Sustained policy violations included the ALPR policy, false information on records, suspicious conduct, and conduct unbecoming; Thody said he is discussing possible criminal harassment charges against Pacheco with the district attorney.
- The city turned off its Flock cameras when the investigation began and released 12 proposed safeguards — including mandatory audits, limits on outside-agency access, and a community evaluation group — before any restart, with public feedback invited.
- The recommendations are not final: each officer receives a hearing, and Mayor Jon Mitchell will decide the outcome.
Timeline
- September 4, 2026New Bedford police chief recommends firing 2 officers following Flock camera investigation
- September 3, 2026New Bedford Police Chief Moves to Fire Two Officers After License Plate Cameras Became Personal Tools
- September 4, 2026The New Bedford police chief has recommended that two of his officers be fired for alleged misuse of Flock cameras.
- September 3, 2026Two New Bedford cops could be fired for misusing Flock
- September 3, 2026New Bedford Police Chief Recommends Firing Two Officers Over Flock Camera Misuse
- October 22, 2026Two New Bedford police officers fired over misuse of Flock cameras
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- New Bedford police chief recommends firing 2 officers following Flock camera investigation (WJAR, September 4, 2026)
- New Bedford Police Recommend Firing Officers Over Flock Misuse (wbsm.com, September 3, 2026)
- New Bedford Police Chief Moves to Fire Two Officers After License Plate Cameras Became Personal Tools (New Bedford Guide, September 3, 2026)
- The New Bedford police chief has recommended that two of his officers be fired for alleged misuse of Flock cameras. (facebook.com, September 4, 2026)
- Two New Bedford cops could be fired for misusing Flock (SouthCoastToday.com, September 3, 2026)
- New Bedford Police Chief Recommends Firing Two Officers Over Flock Camera Misuse (WBSM.com, September 3, 2026)
- City police chief seeks firing of two officers over Flock misuse (wcvb.com, September 3, 2026)
- Two New Bedford police officers fired over misuse of Flock cameras (WCVB, October 22, 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 October 22, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.