Michigan City Assistant Chief of Police addresses Transparency during Flock misuse investigation
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- The Michigan City Police Department is investigating an officer for an out-of-policy use of Flock Security technology after a routine internal audit uncovered the potential misuse.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the officer involved has since resigned. The case will be forwarded to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant Police Chief Kyle Shiparski said the department acted swiftly after identifying the potential misuse and emphasized that the department recognizes the possibility of misuse of Flock technology.
“At any point during this process, we’ve never said that misuse isn’t possible or that misuse will never happen,” Shiparski said. “What we’re trying to instill is that if there is we will address it and we will hold that officer accountable.”
The investigation comes as the police department seeks additional funding for Flock Security technology and works with the city council on policies governing its use.
Shiparski said the department is also working to address residents’ concerns about transparency and accountability surrounding the technology.
“We’re already doing many, if not all, of the things that are being asked, or that would be required when it comes to a thorough audit and accountability-centric investigations into these matters,” Shiparski said.
As part of its efforts, the department has launched a *transparency portal and is considering additional reporting requirements under a revised ordinance.
“The other thing we’re looking to do as part of this next kind of revised ordinance is giving an annual report on our safe city technology,” Shiparski said.
The annual report could include information such as searches conducted and the number of audits completed, giving residents more insight into how the technology is being used.
The department plans to present its Flock governing policies to the public Sept. 15 during a Michigan City City Council meeting.