Kentucky Officer Charged With Misusing License Plate Reader System to Track Ex-Girlfriend
A police officer from Shively, Kentucky, identified as Asad Zahir, was arrested for allegedly using Flock Safety license plate reader cameras to track his ex-girlfriend over 2,000 times between January and May. The alleged misuse, flagged by an AI auditing…
Denver, CO, August 27, 2026 — A police officer in Shively, Kentucky, faces charges following allegations of misusing law enforcement technology to track a former romantic partner. Asad Zahir, an officer with the Shively Police Department, was arrested and charged with official misconduct and unlawful access to a computer.
The allegations detail that Zahir is accused of using Flock Safety license plate reader cameras to monitor his ex-girlfriend. According to reports, this alleged surveillance occurred more than 2,000 times over a period spanning from January to May. The system’s usage logs indicated a pattern that raised flags.
The alleged misuse of the surveillance technology was reportedly identified through an artificial intelligence auditing tool designed to detect anomalies or improper use of police resources. Investigators state that the tracking activities allegedly continued even after the woman had obtained an order of protection against Zahir.
The specific details regarding the nature of the order of protection, the ex-girlfriend’s identity, and the precise timeline of the events between January and May were not provided. Flock Safety is a company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, commonly used by law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles associated with crimes or other investigations. The alleged actions by Officer Zahir highlight concerns regarding the potential for misuse of such powerful surveillance tools.
The Shively Police Department has not released further details regarding the internal investigation or any potential disciplinary actions pending the outcome of the criminal charges. The charges of official misconduct and unlawful access to a computer indicate that Zahir is accused of violating his duties as a public servant and illegally accessing computer systems. Further proceedings are expected as the case moves through the legal system.
Story summarized from the original created by Mark Morales, CNN Newsource on www.denver7.com, see more information here.
