PASADENA, TEXAS — The Pasadena City Council discussed the Pasadena Police Department's use of its Flock Safety camera system during a meeting on Tuesday. The session addressed allegations that a sergeant misused the technology to monitor a colleague before resigning.

Pasadena police Sgt. Michael Palitz resigned from the department while an active internal investigation remained ongoing. Council Member Emmanuel Guerrero stated he believes the investigation into Palitz centered on allegations that Palitz improperly accessed the city’s Flock Safety license plate reader camera system to monitor another officer.

"Based on what we gathered, [he] was using our camera system, our Flock system, to track and stalk a female officer," Guerrero said. Pasadena Police Sgt. April Ontiveros stated, "Yes, he resigned while under investigation." She added that the department does not release information on open or active personnel investigations to protect the integrity of the probe.

"Regardless of his employment status, our investigation will continue in accordance with legal requirements until it reaches its conclusion," she said. Council Member Carlos Heredia Sr. addressed the council regarding the issue. "Recent reports involving some alleged misuse of city Flock cameras have further eroded the public’s confidence," Heredia said. Heredia added, "These are serious allegations that demand transparency and accountability." He clarified his stance on the force, stating, "Let me be clear, I do support the hardworking men and women of the Pasadena Police Department, and my concern is with priorities of the department."

Public comment speakers criticized city leaders over the Flock camera system and questioned why concerns about police misconduct had not been raised during previous council meetings. One speaker addressed Guerrero directly, stating, "It’s kind of sad to see you on the news talking about Flock but not bringing it up here." Another speaker told Guerrero, "It’s kind of funny that you’ll talk about police misconduct when there’s no police present, but then when they are present you don’t bring it up." A speaker during public comment called on the city to remove the Flock cameras and terminate the city’s contract with the company.

Police officers escorted a speaker out of the council chambers after the individual used profanity. "Get off of me," the speaker being escorted said. The city clerk’s office reported receiving 365 letters related to the Flock Safety camera system during the May 2026 public comment period.