Wrightsville Beach police officer no longer employed following Flock camera audit
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Wrightsville Beach Police Department says an internal audit of its Flock Safety license plate reader system uncovered a discrepancy involving an officer who had access to the database.
The department began using Flock Safety license plate reader cameras in March 2026. The technology captures vehicle information, including license plate data and vehicle descriptors, which police say can assist with investigations involving stolen vehicles and suspect vehicles.
According to the department, the cameras are not used for facial recognition or continuous surveillance.
WBPD said it conducted an early audit of the system because the technology was newly implemented. The audit identified a discrepancy involving a police officer with access to the Flock Safety system.
The department said it immediately began an internal investigation and notified the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the officer violated any policies governing use of the Flock database.
WBPD said the internal investigation has been completed and administrative action was taken. The officer is no longer employed by the Town of Wrightsville Beach.
The department said its findings were also referred to the SBI and District Attorney’s Office. The matter remains under investigation by outside agencies.
The department did not identify the officer or provide additional details, citing confidentiality surrounding personnel matters.
In a statement, Police Chief Jason Bishop said the department is committed to transparency and maintaining the standards expected of its officers.
Wrightsville Beach police said the Flock system has been used in several investigations since its implementation, including cases involving hit-and-runs, stolen property and a missing person.
The department maintains an online portal where the public can view information about its Flock camera activity and how the data is used. The town also has a webpage outlining its Flock Safety resources and internal policy.
