Former Jackson Police Officer Indicted for Cyberstalking
Federal authorities arrested a former Jackson police officer following a grand jury indictment for alleged cyberstalking.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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A federal grand jury indicted former Jackson police officer Najwa Zandlo for cyberstalking after an investigation uncovered the misuse of department databases. FBI agents took Zandlo into custody last week following the indictment.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences for law enforcement personnel who abuse their access to sensitive technology. It also underscores the strict internal standards governing how officers are required to interact with government databases.
Federal authorities currently hold Najwa Zandlo in custody following her arrest by the FBI. The Jackson Police Department is seeking the permanent revocation of her law enforcement certification.
The players
Najwa Zandlo
She is a former member of the Jackson Police Department who resigned before facing a disciplinary hearing.
Jackson Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining public safety and managing the city's police database systems.
FBI
This federal agency handles investigations into civil rights violations and the misuse of government resources by public officials.
The details
The internal investigation found Zandlo used police databases for non-police purposes, violating established agency security policies. Jackson police protocols mandate that officers confirm a visual match and verify alerts through dispatch before taking action on license plate reader data.
Timeline
October 2026: A federal grand jury issued an indictment against Najwa Zandlo.
October 15, 2026: FBI agents took Najwa Zandlo into custody.
Legal Context
The charges against Zandlo reflect an increasing federal focus on the unauthorized use of municipal digital surveillance systems. This case aligns with broader efforts to hold officials accountable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for exploiting privileged data access.
The investigation serves as a reminder to the local community regarding the safeguards in place to prevent the abuse of personal data held by police. Residents can expect the department to continue its review of database security measures to maintain public trust.
The takeaway
Maintaining strict adherence to database protocols is essential for protecting sensitive information from misuse. Oversight mechanisms like those in Jackson aim to ensure that technology serves its intended public safety purpose rather than personal agendas.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety standards on the Jackson Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBBJ TV.
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