TEMPLE, TX (August 21, 2026) – On August 18th, the Temple Police Department conducted an advanced internal audit of its Flock Safety automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system using an enhanced auditing procedure recently made available by Flock. This advanced audit identified a search that appeared inconsistent with the system’s authorized use.
A subsequent review conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit determined that the flagged search was conducted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose. The officer was immediately placed on investigative leave and subsequently resigned from the Temple Police Department. The investigation will continue in accordance with Department policy and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement regulations.
ALPR technology is a valuable public safety resource that assists officers in locating stolen vehicles, missing people, and identifying vehicles connected to criminal investigations. This tool enhances the safety of both officers and the community by allowing quick identification and resolution of potentially dangerous situations. However, access to this technology carries significant responsibility. Department policy strictly prohibits the use of this technology for anything other than a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
Since assuming leadership of the Department on May 1st, Police Chief Coy Brown has strengthened the audit process, Department policies governing auditing procedures, and access controls over ALPR technology. He has communicated his clear expectations to all officers that ALPR systems are to be used only for authorized law enforcement purposes in strict adherence to Department policy. Any personal, unauthorized, or otherwise improper use will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate discipline, including potential criminal charges, if applicable. The Temple Police Department has requested that the Texas Rangers conduct an independent investigation.
In October 2025, the Department began conducting comprehensive quarterly reviews of ALPR search activity as part of internal oversight. In August 2026, Chief Brown implemented twice-a-month enhanced audits of system use. These measures are intended to identify potential misuse promptly and provide greater accountability to the community. The recent incident of improper activity was detected by these enhanced audits of system use, which allowed the Department to identify the questionable activity, intervene promptly, and initiate an investigation.
While any technology system has the potential for misuse, the actions of one former officer do not reflect the character of the organization or the professionalism, integrity, and dedication demonstrated each day by Temple Police Department officers and staff. When the public’s trust of the Department is called into question, the Department has an obligation to investigate thoroughly and take prompt and appropriate action. The Department expects all employees, including sworn officers and civilian personnel, to adhere to the highest professional standards and does not condone conduct inconsistent with its values, policies, or expectations. The Department is committed to continuing to monitor and strengthen its oversight measures to ensure this valuable resource is used only for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in a manner that maintains the public’s trust.