New Bedford police officer Emily Pacheco is under investigation after an ex‑girlfriend filed an affidavit accusing her of using the department’s Flock license‑plate readers to track and stalk her. The affidavit, filed for an abuse‑prevention order, claims Pacheco generated fake numbers, called repeatedly, and appeared at the plaintiff’s home while on duty. A judge deemed the ex‑girlfriend a credible threat, ordered her to surrender all firearms, and suspended Pacheco’s carry license.

Police Chief Jason Thody announced a temporary suspension of the Flock system while the department reviews all prior use. Internal affairs has opened an investigation and placed one officer on administrative leave. The city operates 20 cameras across New Bedford, with additional units in Dartmouth and Fairhaven, and the data shows Pacheco performed 18 searches in April, 259 in May, and 220 in June, mostly citing “traffic infraction.” Her searches often spanned days or weeks and crossed municipal boundaries, raising questions about policy violations.

The incident has reignited public demand for tighter oversight of surveillance technology. Residents filed motions to halt Flock until a regulating ordinance is adopted, and an online petition now has nearly 300 signatures. The city council will hear the motions on Aug. 20, while the ACLU’s Gideon Epstein warns that unchecked use of such systems can erode privacy and accountability.