ATHENS, Ga. — Athens-Clarke County Police announced they have fired one of their officers after investigating a suspected misuse of its Flock Safety technology.
The department said a complaint was reported by one ACCPD officer about another regarding accusations of misusing the system for inappropriate, personal reasons.
That’s when ACCPD started investigating now-former Officer Tyler Vaugh.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The department investigation found that Vaugh had “improperly used the ALPR system to search the license plate associated with his former girlfriend’s vehicle numerous times over approximately one week in 2025.”
He has since been terminated from the department, though he has not been arrested or booked into the Clarke County Jail, as of Thursday morning.
TRENDING STORIES:
- 2-year-old dies after car hits family outside grocery store
- Hurricane Isaias strengthens; warnings issued along Gulf coast
- ‘I did nothing to help the team:’ Acuña Jr. fights back tears after Braves elimination
“I am deeply disappointed by Officer Vaughn’s actions. I do not take this incident lightly. The misuse of our ALPR system is a serious violation of the trust placed in our officers, and we will hold those who violate this department’s policies and standards accountable,” Chief of Police Jerry Saulters said in a statement.
Saulters also recognized the officer who reported the violation.
“It demonstrates the integrity and professionalism we expect from the men and women of ACCPD. Our officers have a responsibility to hold themselves and one another accountable, and I am proud of those who uphold that responsibility,” he said.
Going forward, ACCPD is adding new safeguards to ensure better oversight of how the automated license plate reader system is used, according to the department.
That change includes restricting use of the system to personnel at the rank or supervisor or higher.
ACCPD’s policies “strictly prohibit the use of its system for personal or non-official law enforcement purposes.”
Athens police have requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct a criminal investigation of Vaughn’s activities while the department performs its own administrative investigation.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
