Milwaukee Officer Charged After Alleged Misuse of License Plate Reader Technology

A Milwaukee police officer is facing a criminal charge after prosecutors say he improperly used department surveillance technology for personal reasons.

Josue Ayala, an officer with the Milwaukee Police Department, has been charged with attempted misconduct in public office. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Ayala allegedly accessed the department’s automated license plate reader system dozens of times to look up vehicles connected to two individuals in his personal life.

Investigators say the searches occurred while Ayala was on duty between March and May 2025. Prosecutors allege he ran one person’s license plate 55 times and another’s 124 times. Court documents state one of the individuals was someone he began dating after a prior relationship ended. Authorities contend the searches were not tied to any legitimate law enforcement investigation.

The department placed Ayala on full suspension in December 2025 after becoming aware of the alleged conduct. The charge he faces carries a potential penalty of up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Court records indicate a negotiated resolution could include his resignation from the department.

At the center of the case is technology developed by Flock Safety. The company provides automated license plate reader cameras that are mounted along roadways and at neighborhood entrances. The cameras capture images of passing vehicles, recording license plate numbers along with details such as make, model, color, and distinguishing features. Each sighting is logged with a date, time, and location.

Law enforcement agencies use the system to locate stolen vehicles, identify cars connected to criminal investigations, and set alerts for specific license plates. Police departments across Wisconsin and nationwide have described the technology as a valuable investigative tool.

However, the use of automated license plate readers has also generated ongoing privacy concerns. Civil liberties advocates argue that because the system creates a searchable record of where vehicles have traveled, strict oversight is necessary to prevent misuse.

Prosecutors allege the Ayala case highlights those concerns, claiming the database was accessed for personal reasons rather than official police business.

The case is now moving through the court system.