Savannah Police Fired Officer Over Data Access
Officer Amber Harpe was terminated after her husband used her police credentials to access a license plate reader system.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Savannah Police Department fired officer Amber Harpe on September 26, 2026, after an audit revealed she provided her credentials to her husband. Her husband, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, used her access to perform unauthorized searches through the Flock license plate reader system.
Why it matters
The department terminated Harpe for knowingly bypassing security protocols, citing that the unauthorized access compromised critical safeguards. The arrangement exposed the Savannah Police Department to significant legal and reputational risks.
An internal audit identified 983 search entries made through Harpe's account between January and July 2026. The searches targeted 97 unique license plates, with 48 South Carolina plates accounting for 788 of the total entries.
The players
Amber Harpe
She was a former Savannah Police Department officer who joined the force in March 2020.
Savannah Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Savannah, Georgia.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This is a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The details
Harpe allowed her husband to use her username and password to track targets with active arrest warrants. Most vehicle owners identified during these searches were Hispanic, prompting the agency to review the unauthorized usage of its surveillance technology.
Timeline
Amber Harpe joined the Savannah Police Department in March 2020.
The internal audit of the Flock system occurred between January 2026 and July 2026.
The police chief's office finalized the termination on August 13, 2026.
Harpe's termination officially took effect on September 26, 2026.
Harpe withdrew her Civil Service Board appeal on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
The public disclosure of the internal audit findings regarding police misconduct is governed by the transparency requirements of the Georgia Open Records Act. This case marks a departure from typical internal reviews by highlighting the misuse of modern surveillance tools like the Flock system.
The discovery of unauthorized surveillance of 97 license plates may lead to new security oversight measures for local police technology. Residents with concerns about data privacy regarding their vehicle information should monitor department policy updates.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the risks agencies face when officers share sensitive login credentials. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict digital security to protect the privacy of citizens.
Further reading
For more information on departmental policy, visit the Law Enforcement section.
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Do you trust local police departments to adequately secure their data from unauthorized third-party access?
