Former Jackson police officer Najwa Zandlo faces a federal cyberstalking charge after a federal grand jury indicted her last week. FBI agents took her into custody following an internal investigation by the Jackson Police Department alleging she misused department databases for non-police work, according to WBBJ-TV.
Federal Indictment and Arrest
Federal authorities arrested Najwa Zandlo last Thursday following a federal grand jury indictment that accuses the former law enforcement officer of cyberstalking. Before her scheduled disciplinary hearing, Zandlo submitted her resignation. The department is now pursuing action through the state to revoke her law enforcement certification.
Database and Camera Access Policies
The Jackson Police Department maintains strict regulatory frameworks governing the use of police databases and license plate reader technology. Department policy limits access to city-owned devices operated exclusively by officers who have completed mandatory training programs. Regulations explicitly prohibit personnel from running database searches on family members, former romantic partners, or personal acquaintances.
Chief Thom Corley outlined the procedural safeguards required before any officer can act on an automated camera alert. Officers must establish a visual match confirming the physical plate and state, check the originating source, and independently verify that the alert remains active through dispatch or crime databases. Securing access to these systems requires explicit supervisory approval, accompanied by biweekly audits conducted by supervisors and monthly reviews overseen by the department’s professional standards integrity unit.
| Oversight Level | Responsible Entity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subordinate Review | Department Supervisors | Biweekly |
| Department-Wide Access Audit | Professional Standards Integrity Unit | Monthly |
Technology Standards and Data Confidentiality
Chief Corley emphasized that license plate reader technology serves strictly as an investigative tip rather than standalone probable cause for a stop. Vehicle tags not associated with active crimes or missing persons bypass logging in a way that preserves everyday privacy. Under Tennessee state law, all captured plate data remains strictly confidential and closed to the public and media unless its release is deemed necessary for public safety.
