Penn. Woman Says It Was ‘Actually Hell’ When Estranged Cop Husband Used Automated License Plate Readers to Stalk Her

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the misuse of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement agencies across the United States. These sophisticated camera systems, initially designed to assist in identifying stolen vehicles and tracking crime, have become a cause for concern as reports emerge of their improper usage for personal vendettas.

A harrowing case has come to light involving Alexandria Griffith, who alleges that her estranged husband, Michael McSherry, a police officer with the Fraser Township Police Department, stalked her using ALPR technology. Griffith revealed that McSherry had conducted a staggering 283 searches on her vehicle’s license plate over a span of just two months in 2021. In an alarming incident, he also searched her mother’s license plate 85 times.

The troubling behaviour of McSherry came to Griffith’s attention when, during a text conversation about her daily errands, he confidently declared he knew where she was heading. He showed her a detailed screenshot from his police computer that outlined her movements, leaving her in shock. “It was actually hell,” Griffith shared. “My kids were keeping me alive because it was so mentally exhausting,” indicating the toll this stalking took on her well-being.

By mid-September 2021, Griffith’s ordeal culminated in a confrontation at her parents’ home, leading to McSherry’s arrest. He was subsequently charged and pled guilty to charges of stalking and official oppression, spending approximately 11 months in prison. Although he expressed regret about misusing the ALPR system in comments to the press, he did not respond to inquiries from PEOPLE magazine.

Investigations into law enforcement misuse of ALPR technology have unearthed numerous troubling incidents. A recent report highlighted at least 50 known cases where police personnel abused their access to these systems, with 26 instances involving harassment or surveillance of women. Disturbingly, one Wisconsin officer was accused of attempting to track his ex-girlfriend’s visits to an abortion clinic using ALPR data. Moreover, a Florida deputy reportedly pulled over a young actress using information obtained from an automated license plate reader.

The misuse of ALPRs is not limited to individual cases, as evidenced by the recent arrest of Laurie Moore, a senior investigator with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. She has been charged with multiple counts of misconduct after being found to have conducted over 4,000 unauthorised searches linked to several individuals, including her former girlfriend. Reports indicate that approximately 3,000 of those searches were specifically related to her ex-partner’s vehicle.

Critics have raised alarm over the lack of oversight governing the use of these powerful surveillance tools. Griffith remarked on the gravity of the situation, noting, “There’s no one monitoring these people who have so much power,” and questioning the accountability measures in place. Many officers appear to exploit their access to sensitive data without substantial repercussions—often receiving little more than a slap on the wrist for serious infractions.

Griffith articulated the fear and unease that such unchecked power induces, saying, “It’s one of those things like with great power comes great responsibility, and they’re putting responsibility in the wrong hands.” Her experience has reshaped how she perceives law enforcement and the potential for misuse of authority embedded within policing practices.

The growing concern over ALPR misuse raises critical questions about privacy rights and the ethical implications of law enforcement technology. As the technology continues to proliferate, there is a pressing need for clearer regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and protect citizens from unwarranted surveillance.

Law enforcement agencies must address these issues proactively, ensuring that personnel are held accountable for their actions and that the fundamental rights of individuals are safeguarded. As stories like Griffith’s circulate, it will be crucial for communities to advocate for responsible policing practices and the prioritisation of public trust and safety in the use of advanced surveillance technologies.