A former Mooresville police officer has been charged after investigators alleged she improperly used the department’s automatic license plate reader system to track her boyfriend’s ex-wife.
Elizabeth Anne Snowman was arrested Wednesday morning after arriving for work, according to Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani. Authorities said the charges stem from the alleged misuse of the department’s Flock camera system.
Arrest
The Mooresville Police Department announced that Snowman was taken into custody on Wednesday.
Investigators allege she accessed the Flock license plate reader system 31 times to locate her boyfriend’s former wife. Police said two of those searches were conducted while Snowman was off duty.
Authorities have not released additional details about the criminal charges beyond alleging the system was used for personal reasons.
Investigation
Chief Ron Campurciani said the case is especially concerning because it follows a similar incident involving a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer who was recently charged with allegedly misusing law enforcement databases.
Speaking during a Wednesday news conference, Campurciani said the alleged misuse of investigative tools undermines public trust.
The department has emphasized that license plate reader systems are intended solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Privacy
The case has renewed discussion about the balance between public safety and privacy.
Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said automatic license plate reader systems raise privacy concerns because they collect information on large numbers of motorists.
He also noted that people who believe they have been improperly targeted by a law enforcement officer may face challenges in reporting those concerns.
Supporters of the technology, however, argue that it remains an important investigative tool when used appropriately.
Technology
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation submitted a report to the North Carolina General Assembly in April outlining cases in which license plate reader technology helped solve crimes.
According to the report, the system has assisted investigators in identifying:
- Murder suspects
- Missing persons
- At least one individual listed on the terrorist watch list
Law enforcement agencies continue to use the technology as part of criminal investigations, while debates over oversight and privacy continue.
Review
The Mooresville Police Department said its internal review extends beyond Snowman’s case.
According to Chief Campurciani, investigators are reviewing the conduct of 10 additional employees for possible misuse of the Flock camera system.
Officials said three of those cases currently appear to raise significant concerns, and additional criminal charges could be filed as the investigation moves forward.
The department has not released further details about the ongoing investigation.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the Mooresville case?
Former officer Elizabeth Anne Snowman was arrested.
What system was allegedly misused?
The department’s Flock license plate reader system.
How many searches are investigators alleging?
Police allege the system was used 31 times.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, Mooresville police are reviewing additional cases.
How many other employees are under review?
The department said 10 additional employees are being reviewed.
