Milwaukee Police Tighten Flock Camera Rules After Officer Misuse Scandal

Department to reduce authorized users after officer indicted for using system to track ex-partner and her ex-boyfriend.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Milwaukee Police Department is updating its policies on the use of its Flock camera system after an officer was indicted for allegedly using the system to run license plate checks on his romantic partner and her ex-boyfriend. The department plans to reduce the number of authorized users and implement more robust checks and balances to prevent similar misuse in the future.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns around the potential for abuse of police surveillance technology, especially when it comes to personal relationships and domestic situations. The Milwaukee PD's response aims to restore public trust and ensure the Flock camera system is used appropriately for law enforcement purposes.

The details

Officer Josue Ayala, 33, was indicted in March 2026 on a charge of misconduct in public office. Investigators claimed he searched for the license plate of one victim 55 times and another 124 times between March and May 2025, while he was in a romantic relationship with one of the victims. Ayala reportedly resigned ahead of his first court appearance after pleading not guilty.

  • Officer Ayala allegedly misused the Flock camera system between March 26, 2025 and May 26, 2025.
  • Ayala was indicted on the misconduct charge in March 2026.
  • Ayala resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department ahead of his first court appearance on March 4, 2026.

The players

Josue Ayala

A 33-year-old former Milwaukee Police officer who was indicted on a charge of misconduct in public office for allegedly misusing the department's Flock camera system to track his romantic partner and her ex-boyfriend.

Jeffrey Norman

The chief of the Milwaukee Police Department, who announced plans to reduce the number of authorized users of the Flock camera system and implement more robust checks and balances.

James Lewis

The risk manager for the Milwaukee Police Department, who noted that not every officer had access to the Flock camera system and that captains would now have to review and approve requests for officers to use the system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We understand that we have to put in more robust checks and balances.”

— Jeffrey Norman, Police Chief

“We have instructed our captains across the department that they must review and sign off on a request for one of their officers to use the system.”

— James Lewis, Risk Manager

What’s next

The judge in Officer Ayala's case will decide on whether to allow him out on bail at his next court appearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strict oversight and accountability measures when it comes to police use of surveillance technology, especially in sensitive personal situations. The Milwaukee PD's response aims to prevent similar abuses and restore public trust in the department's use of the Flock camera system.