During a routine audit of the Flock system activity, MCPD discovered searches conducted by an officer that raised concerns regarding their validity. MCPD immediately conducted an internal investigation, and the officer was placed on administrative leave. 

MCPD says, the officer resigned during the investigation. The department's administrative review determined that the officer's use of the system goes against MCPD policy. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded for review to the LaPorte County Prosecutor's Office.

Mayor Angie Nelson stating, “Public trust requires transparency and accountability, particularly when the City uses technology that gives law enforcement access to sensitive information. Our residents have every right to expect that these tools will be used lawfully, ethically and only for legitimate public-safety purposes. When that trust is violated, we have a responsibility to identify it, address it and be transparent with the public about what occurred.”

Michigan City Police Chief Steven Forker says, “Misuse of law-enforcement technology will not be tolerated. Our officers are entrusted with access to sensitive systems, and we expect that access to be used appropriately and only for legitimate law-enforcement purposes. In this instance, our auditing process identified a concern, and we acted immediately.”

Because the investigation remains ongoing, MCPD cannot release additional details at this time

According to MCPD, the department will continue to conduct routine audits of Flock system actively and reviewing compliance with the department policies to help ensure the technology is being used appropriately and to hold users accountable when violations happen.