SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced four former Savannah Police Department officers were charged, accused of misusing Flock Safety technology.
Channel 2 Action News reported in July when Savannah police put six officers on leave for an investigation stemming from an audit of Flock use.
The department said at the time that the GBI had also been requested to investigate the matter.
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On Friday, GBI said Marquis Dillard, Donald Phillips and Matthew Rich and all faced charges for misuse of a license plate reader system and violations of oath.
GBI said at the time of the offenses, Dillard, Phillips and Rich all worked as officers for SPD while Calandic Thomas was working as a Community Service Specialist.
Thomas also faces charges for misuse of the license plate reader system but not for violating oath of office.
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In a statement, SPD said it was continuing to work with GBI and other authorities as the case proceeds, and that the investigation is ongoing.
“I expect all members of the Savannah Police Department, whether sworn or civilian, to act with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law. We understand that community trust must be earned and kept. There is no excuse for breaking that trust,” Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther said.
The department reiterated, as it said in July, that its internal audit and oversight over Flock technology use is what led to the investigation and dismissal of the staff and officers involved.
“This is a sad and sobering day for our city, as well as a challenging one for these former officers, their families, their colleagues, and the entire Savannah Police Department. Accountability should not depend on your identity, uniform, or position. We entrusted these individuals with advanced technology—and even more importantly—with the public’s trust,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said.
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