PASADENA, TEXAS — Pasadena Police Sgt. Michael Palitz resigned from the department while under an active internal investigation. The investigation concerns allegations that Palitz misused the department's Flock Safety license plate reader camera system to track another officer.

Pasadena City Council Member Emmanuel Guerrero confirmed the allegations. "Based on what we gathered, [he] was using our camera system, our Flock system, to track and stalk a female officer," Guerrero said. He noted the Flock system flagged the account associated with Palitz due to overwhelming use. "The people put their confidence in us to utilize systems that could support and protect the way of life, and to use it against certain individuals is a betrayal of our community's trust," Guerrero said. "As an elected official, and as our police officers, we have to be held to a certain standard. If we fail to do so, we fail our people, we fail our community."

Sgt. April Ontiveros of the Pasadena Police Administration & Media Relations Unit confirmed Palitz's resignation while the investigation remained active. "Yes, he resigned while under investigation," Ontiveros said. Pasadena Police Chief M.P. Jackson declined to elaborate on the ongoing investigation, stating, "I can't really discuss pending cases."

The Pasadena Police Department stated that the internal investigation into Palitz will continue until it reaches its conclusion, regardless of his employment status. Records show Palitz was suspended and later returned to duty in 2025.