A cop from New Jersey is in trouble for reportedly using multiple police databases to track down a woman and ask for her phone number.
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Joshua A James, 29, is a now-suspended officer with the Neptune Township Police Department in South Jersey. Along with the suspension, he was charged with two counts of third-degree computer-related criminal activity last week, according to the New York Post.
Per an article by NJ, James was reportedly working near an elementary school on January 10 when he spotted a 28-year-old woman. He allegedly looked up her license plate on multiple police systems. These databases gave the officer her address and other personal details.
NJ alleges that according to court documents, James 'performed two illegal criminal records searches' on the 28-year-old. He then drove his patrol car to the woman's house while still in uniform to request her phone number.
The court filing explains that the woman stepped out of the house when she saw the patrol car. The affidavit alleges that "Officer James asked her if she was single and asked for her phone number. He subsequently reached out to her via phone and on a texting application." Unfortunately for the wannabee cop Casanova, his advances didn't go down as well as he may have hoped. The woman reported the officers' antics to the police, which led to an investigation and, ultimately, an arrest.
The Cop Used Two Databases To Track Down The Address
The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit led the investigation.
Police allege that James used two databases to obtain the information he needed. He used the Spillman Flex Law Enforcement Database, which contains critical information like names, vehicle information, and any felony details. James also used the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), which is managed by the FBI. The CJIS performs a similar role as Spillman Flex, providing essential data and criminal history between states. Access to both databases is restricted, and they can only be used by law enforcement officers.
Police stress in the court documents that both databases "are to be used solely for law enforcement purposes."
