Former Georgia Drug Task Force Officer Charged With Misusing Flock License Plate Reader System

POLK COUNTY, Ga. – A former Polk County police officer assigned to a regional drug task force has been arrested after an investigation found she allegedly used a license plate reader system for personal reasons unrelated to law enforcement.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Tracey Royston, 51, of Cedartown, has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of Misuse of a License Plate Reader System.

Royston previously served as a Polk County Police Department officer and was assigned to the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, which is managed by the GBI.

Investigation Began After Complaint

The investigation began on July 31, 2026, when the Polk County Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations involving misuse of the Cedartown Police Department’s Flock Safety license plate reader system.

Because of her assignment to the drug task force, Royston had authorized access to the Flock system.

According to preliminary findings, investigators believe Royston accessed the license plate reader database multiple times between 2024 and 2025 for non-law enforcement purposes.

Arrested on Misdemeanor Charges

Royston was arrested on Aug. 7, 2026, and booked into the Polk County Jail. His bond was set at $4,000. Since then, he has posted bail and been released.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the case remains under investigation.