Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office employee resigns amid investigation into Flock camera use

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office employee resigned after an internal investigation into the alleged misuse of the agency’s Flock Safety camera system, according to Sheriff Brian Chism.

Chism addressed concerns about the license plate reader system in a video posted by the sheriff’s office, saying information discovered during a review of Flock system activity raised concerns about how one member of the agency was using it.

An Internal Affairs investigation was launched, and the employee subsequently resigned. The sheriff’s office also referred the matter to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for an independent review.

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Chism did not identify the former employee or specify how the system was allegedly misused.

“One employee’s alleged misuse of a system should not be confused with the authorized use of that system by the men and women of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office who use the investigative tools appropriately every single day,” Chism said.

Chism said state law limits what the sheriff’s office can release because the case involves a personnel matter and an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff said the department uses Flock cameras for law enforcement and investigative purposes and acknowledged community concerns surrounding privacy, oversight and the use of the technology.

SEE ALSO: New Hanover County residents raise privacy concerns over Flock cameras

Chism said the concern was discovered through a review of system activity and pointed to auditing and oversight as safeguards for the technology.

The sheriff’s office will also review its policies, practices, access controls and auditing procedures to determine whether additional safeguards are needed.

The SBI review remains ongoing.