Athens-Clarke County police officer arrested, accused of misusing Flock system

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — An Athens-Clarke County police officer has been fired after he allegedly misused the department’s Flock system.

On Wednesday, the department said an officer discovered that another officer, Tyler Vaughn, may have inappropriately used the automated license plate reader system (ALPR) and reported him. An internal investigation revealed that Vaughn allegedly searched his ex-girlfriend’s plate several times over the course of a week in 2025.

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In a statement, Police Chief Jerry Saulters said he was “deeply disappointed.”

“I do not take this incident lightly. The misuse of our ALPR system is a serious violation of the trust placed in our officers, and we will hold those who violate this department’s policies and standards accountable,” he said. “I also want to recognize the officer who reported this misconduct. It demonstrates the integrity and professionalism we expect from the men and women of ACCPD.”

Now, only supervisors and above can perform Flock searches, according to the police department.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to conduct an independent criminal investigation, while the police department’s Office of Professional Standards will continue its administrative investigation.

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In August, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department also fired Criminal Intelligence Analyst Supervisor Nick Barker, a civilian employee who allegedly searched for his ex-wife’s license plate over several months in 2025.

In the past few months, dozens of law enforcement officers in Georgia and the nation at large have been fired or arrested for allegedly misusing their departments’ Flock camera systems.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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