Posted on 03/02/2010 12:16:50 PM PST by greatdefender
Authorities are investigating after an Altamonte Springs police officer lost a computer thumb drive with information about confidential informants.
The police chief is reviewing the situation and will determine whether there is an official investigation into the actions of the officer, whom the department declines to identify because he works undercover.
Each person whose name was on the lost drive will receive a phone call or visit to inform them of the situation, said Altamonte police Lt. Darin Farber.
The loss of the thumb drive is just the latest high-profile embarrassment for the department.
Another officer – identified by television news reports as Deputy Chief George Small – is being investigated on charges that he altered motorist records to remove evidence of traffic tickets. He is currently on paid leave.
Farber doesn't think that Altamonte Springs residents have to worry that the department isn't capable of handling its responsibilities – noting that the agency blew the whistle on these incidents and didn't try to hide them.
"The majority of the officers working in Central Florida are top cops … It's unfortunate that an incident here or there really tarnishes our badge," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
Tell me it was encrypted.
If we’re talking about a regular public servant than he probably doesn’t even know what “encryption” means. Or he has a 1234# password or something equally easy to break. It’s amazing there isn’t more computer crime considering how little the average joe knows about security.
I lost my radio once. Luckily noone found it and raised hell.
I’m thinkin’ that if it was encrypted, it wouldn’t be worth a story.
Sometimes... data security really is a life-and-death issue.
Wow.
Snitches are a dying breed...
Oh they're going to get a visit alright. It'll be the last one they ever get.
with information about confidential informants
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