BRENHAM PD CONFIRMS INTERNAL INVESTIGATION AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF OFFICER MISUSING LICENSE PLATE READER TECH
The Brenham Police Department has confirmed an internal affairs investigation is underway into an officer, following allegations of possible misuse of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
According to a post from a local law enforcement watchdog group on social media, an officer was investigated for alleged misuse of the department’s ALPR system. The post claims that the investigation resulted in disciplinary action, including termination.
City of Brenham Communications and Public Relations Manager Melinda Gordon issued a statement to KWHI. The statement confirmed there is an active and ongoing internal affairs investigation after the police department received an inquiry concerning improper conduct related to an officer’s job, though it did not provide further details on the allegations or directly say whether the investigation was due to any potential misuse of ALPR technology. It said all internal investigations are conducted through a fair, impartial and comprehensive review process in accordance with departmental policy.
Per the statement, no determination has been made concerning the status of the officer, who was not identified by the city. It said the police department will provide an update after the conclusion of the investigation.
The full statement can be read below:
This week, the Brenham Police Department (BPD) received an inquiry concerning a BPD officer, claiming that the officer had been terminated for improper conduct related to his job. The BPD can confirm that there is an internal affairs investigation being conducted involving a BPD officer. All internal investigations are conducted through a fair, impartial, and comprehensive review process in accordance with departmental policy. The current investigation is ongoing, and no determination has been made concerning the officer’s status. The BPD will provide an update after the conclusion of the investigation.
The internal affairs investigation and any associated discipline that comes from it are separate from a criminal case, of which there is currently no indication that one is active or that any charges have been filed.
According to Gordon, the city’s ALPR vendor is Vigilant through Motorola. The city does not have a contract with Flock, though there are Flock cameras owned by the state or private businesses.
Earlier this year, Washington County adopted a resolution to work with TxDOT to install Flock cameras on Highway 105 and FM 50. However, Sheriff Trey Holleway said that process has been paused, as he expects legislation will be written next year to put in new guidelines and regulations for the use of ALPR systems. He clarified that the sheriff’s office does not have any Flock cameras deployed.