Savannah Police Officer Fired for Sharing Flock Login With ICE Husband
A former Savannah police officer, Amber Harpe, has been terminated after an investigation revealed she shared her Flock surveillance system login credentials with her husband, an ICE agent.
Amber Harpe, a former officer with the Savannah Police Department (SPD), was fired in August following an internal investigation. The probe determined that Harpe had shared her login information for the Flock surveillance system with her husband, Tyler Harpe, who works as an agent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The SPD stated that it does not share Flock data with ICE, and that sharing access to the system violated the department's security protocols. The department initiated an investigation after the alleged breach came to light.
While possessing unauthorized access through his wife's credentials, Tyler Harpe conducted 983 searches within the Flock system, relating to 97 license plates. According to local ABC affiliate WJCL, the license plates were overwhelmingly registered to Hispanic drivers. The Harpes have defended their actions, asserting that the access was not used for personal reasons.
This incident raises concerns regarding the oversight and use of surveillance technologies employed by law enforcement agencies. The Flock system utilizes automated license plate readers, and unauthorized access or sharing of its data constitutes a significant security violation.
Beyond the officer's termination, the case may lead to further administrative or legal consequences. The Savannah Police Department has emphasized its commitment to enhancing data security and ensuring proper utilization of surveillance systems moving forward.