An Albany County sheriff's investigator faces charges after allegedly misusing Flock Safety cameras to track individuals, including a former girlfriend, thousands of times. The New York Post reported on the arrest of Laurie Moore, a 13-year veteran of the Albany County Sheriff's Office, for allegedly abusing the license plate reader system. The New York Post reported that Moore is accused of searching her ex-girlfriend's vehicle approximately 3,000 times, along with four other license plates hundreds of times each.
Flock Safety cameras, designed to read license plates and aid law enforcement in tracking criminals, are installed in numerous locations across the country, including public roads, neighborhood entrances, and school campuses. However, these systems have drawn criticism regarding privacy concerns and the potential for misuse by authorities.
What happened in Albany County?
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple stated that Moore was arrested following a tip. She gained access to the Flock system in late 2024. After the incident, the Sheriff's Office tightened its access restrictions:
- Only supervisors can access the data.
- An internal audit process reviews access every 30 days.
- Audit results are escalated to an undersheriff or chief.
Sheriff Apple acknowledged the breach of trust, stating, "when somebody abuses that trust, we'll hold them accountable."
What does this mean for drivers?
This incident highlights concerns about how license plate reader data is accessed and used. For drivers, it means that even with established protocols, individual misuse can occur. Knowing where these cameras are located can help you understand your privacy landscape. You can explore our live camera map to see known ALPR locations.
Moore faces misdemeanor charges for second-degree falsifying business records and official misconduct. She is also accused of improperly accessing state Department of Vehicle records for non-official purposes. Moore was suspended from her position after her arrest. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 24.