A Decatur police officer has been placed on administrative duty while the department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigate the officer’s alleged misuse of the city’s automated license plate recognition system.

The Decatur Police Department said it learned of the possible misuse June 12 and immediately opened an Internal Affairs investigation. Police Chief Torry Mack also asked ALEA to conduct a separate investigation to determine whether any criminal violations occurred.

Both investigations are ongoing. The department has not identified the officer or released details about the alleged misuse, saying additional information is being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigations and ensure a fair process.

“Our officers are entrusted with sensitive tools and significant authority, and that trust carries a duty to use both responsibly. We remain committed to serving our community with integrity, protecting the rights of everyone involved, and holding every member of this department, regardless of rank or position, to the standards our profession and the public demand,” Mack said.

The Decatur investigation comes as the use — and alleged misuse — of automated license plate readers continues to draw attention across Alabama.

Yellowhammer News reported earlier this month that three Alabama law enforcement officers had been fired or resigned following investigations involving license plate reader systems.

A Springville officer resigned and a Moody police officer was fired earlier this summer following separate investigations. In August, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office fired a deputy after an internal audit found violations of the office’s rules governing the use of license plate reader data.

The technology has also proven useful to law enforcement agencies investigating crimes and searching for missing people.

Flock cameras capture images of vehicles traveling on public roads and record information including license plate numbers, vehicle make, model and color, location, and the date and time a vehicle passes a camera. Flock says the system identifies vehicles rather than people and does not collect biometric information.

RELATED: Law enforcement says Flock cameras remain vital public safety tool despite isolated incidents

Alabama regulations require law enforcement agencies that collect license plate reader data to adopt and publicize written policies governing its use. Agencies must also maintain records showing who accessed the information, when it was accessed and the purpose of the search. The data may be used or shared only for criminal justice or public safety purposes.

The growing debate has also reached the Alabama Legislature. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) has told Yellowhammer News that lawmakers could consider additional restrictions on the technology, including warrant requirements for some searches, shorter data-retention periods and tougher penalties for improper access.

“We can’t just roll over and say, ‘Oh, we trust you to do the right thing 100% of the time, anywhere, everywhere, with all this technology at your fingertips and the ability to snoop and spy on people with impunity,’” Orr told Yellowhammer News. “That’s a nonstarter for me.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].