Police Employee Charged With Misusing Flock Data and Police Database
TL;DR: A Chesterfield County police intelligence investigator has been charged with computer invasion of privacy and unlawful use of automatic license plate reader systems after coworkers reported suspicious database access.
Quick facts
- Who: Rebekkah Robinson, professional staff intelligence investigator at Chesterfield County Police Department
- What: Charged with two counts of Computer Invasion of Privacy and two counts of violating Virginia law governing Automatic License Plate Reader systems
- When: August 27 (investigation initiated), October 2, 2026 (charges announced)
- Where: Chesterfield County Police Department
The story
Rebekkah Robinson, a professional staff intelligence investigator at the Chesterfield County Police Department, has been charged with two counts of Computer Invasion of Privacy and two counts of violating Virginia's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) law, both Class 1 misdemeanors. The charges stem from allegations that Robinson improperly accessed the VCIN/NCIC police database and the Flock Safety automatic license plate reader system.
The investigation began on August 27 when coworkers reported suspicions about Robinson's interactions with police systems. Supervisors audited her database queries and uncovered what they described as "suspicious transactions," leading to a criminal investigation. Robinson's access to all police systems was immediately revoked and she was placed on paid administrative leave. Following the conclusion of the investigation, she was moved to unpaid administrative leave.
Police Chief Frank Carpenter said in a statement that the case "breaks public trust in our community" and emphasized that "trust is the foundation of effective policing; without it, we struggle." He pledged that the department would "acknowledge it, correct it, and take concrete steps to prevent it from happening again."
In response, the Chesterfield County Police Department announced a 30-day review of all items related to police systems to identify potential gaps or areas needing improvement. The charges were obtained by Virginia State Police (for Computer Invasion of Privacy) and the Chesterfield County Police Department (for the ALPR violations).
Key players
- Rebekkah Robinson: Professional staff intelligence investigator at Chesterfield County Police Department
- Frank Carpenter: Chesterfield County Police Chief
- Chesterfield County Police Department: Employer; opened internal and criminal investigation
Why it matters: The case highlights the importance of internal oversight and accountability in law enforcement agencies handling sensitive databases and surveillance systems. It demonstrates that unauthorized access to police records and automated license plate readers raises serious privacy concerns for residents whose information could be improperly accessed.
Development timeline
Related links
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 (YouTube) →
Sources
- WTVR: Chesterfield Police employee charged with misusing Flock data, police database
- VPM: Chesterfield police employee charged with misuse of Flock cameras