A Brentwood police officer is accused of improperly using a Flock Safety automated license plate reader system during a personal matter involving his former wife. An internal investigation found sustained policy violations, while prosecutors concluded the evidence did not support criminal charges under Missouri law. The case has renewed discussion about police accountability, privacy, and the safeguards governing law enforcement surveillance technology.
Internal Investigation Finds Policy Violations
BRENTWOOD, MO – August 3, 2026 (STL.News) A Brentwood police officer is the subject of an internal investigation after allegations that he improperly accessed a Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) system during a personal matter involving his former wife. According to First Alert 4 Investigates, the St. Louis County Police Department reviewed the allegations with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors later concluded that the evidence did not support criminal charges under Missouri law, while Brentwood Police Chief Joseph Speiss confirmed the department’s internal investigation found “sustained policy violations.”
The case has attracted attention because it illustrates the important distinction between a violation of departmental policy and conduct that rises to the level of a criminal offense.
Allegations Were Investigated by Outside Agencies
According to First Alert 4, a complaint alleging improper use of the department’s Flock Safety camera system prompted an outside investigation. As part of that complaint, the officer’s former wife alleged that he admitted using the system to determine where she had been during the couple’s divorce proceedings. The St. Louis County Police Department investigated those allegations, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined the available facts did not establish a violation of Missouri criminal law, and no criminal charges were filed. Authorities have not publicly accused the officer of committing a criminal offense, and the allegations remain allegations that have not been adjudicated in court.
Chief Says Internal Investigation Found Sustained Policy Violations
Documents obtained by First Alert 4 include a letter from Brentwood Police Chief Joseph Speiss stating that the department’s internal investigation found “sustained policy violations.” The chief also confirmed that the St. Louis County Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation.
The City of Brentwood has acknowledged the investigation and stated that it considers the matter a personnel issue and cannot comment further. The city has not publicly disclosed whether disciplinary action was taken or provided additional details regarding the policy violations identified during the investigation.
The outcome demonstrates that an officer’s conduct may violate departmental policies or professional standards even when prosecutors determine the evidence does not support criminal prosecution.
What Is the Flock Safety Camera System?
Flock Safety is a private technology company that provides automated license plate reader systems to thousands of law enforcement agencies across the United States.
The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record information that may include:
- License plate number
- Date and time
- Camera location
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- Vehicle color
Police agencies use the technology to investigate stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, missing persons, violent crimes and other legitimate public safety matters.
Brentwood previously announced that it deployed Flock Safety cameras to assist investigations involving stolen vehicles, wanted suspects and other criminal investigations. The city has also said the system allows participating agencies to share information to aid investigations.
Privacy Concerns Accompany Expanding Technology
Automated license plate reader systems have become increasingly common because they can quickly identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations and generate investigative leads that might otherwise take days or weeks to develop.
At the same time, civil liberties advocates have expressed concerns that historical vehicle-location data can reveal detailed information about a person’s movements and daily activities. Because of those concerns, police agencies generally restrict access to ALPR systems to legitimate law enforcement purposes and maintain audit logs intended to detect unauthorized searches.
The Brentwood investigation highlights why those safeguards are considered essential as surveillance technology becomes more widely used.
Similar Cases Have Surfaced Nationwide
The Brentwood case is not an isolated incident.
The Institute for Justice has identified at least 28 publicly documented cases nationwide involving law enforcement officers who allegedly used automated license plate reader systems to monitor current or former romantic partners or other personal acquaintances. The organization notes that many additional incidents may never become public because internal investigations often remain confidential.
Several recent cases have resulted in criminal charges or guilty pleas in other states where investigators concluded officers improperly accessed law enforcement databases for personal reasons. Those incidents have prompted agencies nationwide to strengthen auditing procedures, expand supervisory oversight and provide additional training governing the proper use of investigative technology.
Accountability Remains Essential
Automated license plate reader systems have become valuable investigative tools that help law enforcement recover stolen vehicles, identify suspects and solve crimes. Their continued effectiveness, however, depends on officers using the technology only for legitimate law enforcement purposes and agencies responding promptly when allegations of misuse arise.
In the Brentwood case, prosecutors concluded the available evidence did not support criminal charges under Missouri law. At the same time, the Brentwood Police Department’s internal investigation found sustained policy violations, underscoring that administrative accountability and criminal liability are separate issues.
As more Missouri communities continue investing in advanced surveillance technology, the Brentwood investigation serves as a reminder that clear policies, independent investigations, regular auditing and public accountability remain essential to maintaining trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
