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TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — A Tift County deputy has been demoted, and his access to sensitive confidential data systems has been revoked after an internal investigation found he misused a law enforcement database, according to the Tift County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Gene Scarbrough said the issue was discovered after the sheriff’s office did audits of the data systems used by the agency.

According to the sheriff, discrepancies were found within the agency’s FLOCK system, prompting an internal investigation.

The investigation determined the deputy had misused the system by searching his personal data, the sheriff’s office said.

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As a result, the deputy was demoted from a recent promotion; his access to all sensitive, confidential data systems was also revoked.

After the investigation, Sheriff Scarbrough said his administration issued a memo to the entire agency emphasizing a “zero-tolerance” policy for behavior that could damage the community’s trust.

Deputies were also told to review policies about confidential data systems and their proper use.

The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about what information was searched or whether the matter could result in any further disciplinary action.

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