Whiteside County sheriff expects more Flock audits after possible misuse

WHITESIDE CO., Ill. (KWQC) - The Whiteside County sheriff says an investigation into a deputy’s possible misuse of the Flock camera system could lead to increased auditing of the technology by his department and other law enforcement agencies.

Sheriff John Booker said the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office does not own any Flock cameras and does not have a contract with the company. However, deputies have had access to the system for years.

“Flock gave access to agencies so they could test it out, and apparently through the years, our sheriff’s deputies have had access to these cameras throughout the system,” Booker said.

Booker said he became aware of the potential misuse after a Washington Post reporter contacted his office. According to Booker, the reporter had information from an audit that flagged searches connected to one of his deputies.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave, and Booker has suspended Flock access for all Sheriff’s Office personnel while an internal investigation continues.

Booker said the incident could lead law enforcement agencies to more closely review how officers are using the technology.

“I believe agencies will do more auditing, maybe weekly auditing,” Booker said. “I know this is such a huge topic, and so many cameras and contracts are being canceled.”

Booker said additional auditing will also take place within his own department.

“You always want to make sure that the procedures are followed, and those steps will be taken,” Booker said. “This isn’t just a Whiteside County issue, it’s a nationwide issue where there has been misuse of Flock cameras.”

Despite concerns surrounding the technology, Booker said Flock can be a useful law enforcement tool. He pointed to cases involving missing children as an example of where the system has helped investigators.

“There are some great cases that have been solved, missing children, stuff like that, where Flock cameras have came in use and have been a great tool,” Booker said.

For now, Booker said his department can operate without access to the system.

“Technology and times have changed and, you know, you can still do our job without Flock cameras,” Booker said.

The investigation remains an internal administrative investigation and is not currently a criminal investigation, Booker said.

He said the internal investigation is nearing completion. If investigators find possible wrongdoing, Booker said the matter would be turned over to an outside agency to determine whether any criminal conduct occurred.

The Sheriff’s Office has not released the name of the deputy or details about the searches, citing the ongoing personnel investigation.