In Georgia, a patrolman named Dustin Bozzo used a tracking app to monitor his ex-partner, a fellow cop. Bozzo made 56 searches for her car between March and May, and even spied on a colleague who had been close to his ex. The Alpharetta Police Department placed Bozzo on leave and he ultimately resigned, amid an ongoing criminal probe.

Across the country, at least 45 other police officers have misused similar apps to stalk ex-lovers. Despite claims of innocent intentions, the ease with which such technology can escalate into serious misconduct is concerning. Bozzo admitted to having a brief fling with his ex, but their workplace relationship, or lack thereof, remains murky.

The incident highlights the complex and often blurry lines between personal and professional life within law enforcement. 'We take our job very seriously and we took immediate action,' said Alpharetta Police Chief Trent Lindgren. Yet, the ease with which Bozzo could track his colleagues raises questions about the ethical use of such technology.

Bozzo's story is just one of many in a broader pattern of police misuse of tracking apps. In the civilian world, such actions would be seen as invasive. But with instant access to Flock, many officers can track people's locations with little oversight. The ease of misuse is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with such powerful tools.