Former Amarillo Police Officer Charged After Searching Victim’s License Plate 76 Times

AMARILLO, Texas – A former Amarillo police officer has been charged with tampering with a government record after an investigation found he allegedly used law enforcement databases dozens of times to search for a person who was not connected to any of his cases or assignments.

Christian Eder, whose employment with the Amarillo Police Department was terminated July 17, is charged with a Class A misdemeanor following a criminal complaint accepted by the Potter County Attorney’s Office.

The investigation began after APD received a citizen complaint about Eder’s conduct.

An internal investigation found that Eder improperly used department resources, resulting in his termination for policy violations, according to APD. Information uncovered during the investigation was then referred to county prosecutors for possible criminal charges.

According to the criminal complaint, Eder searched the Flock camera system for the victim’s license plate 76 times between February and June 2026.

An audit of another investigative database, TLOxp, found Eder also searched for the victim’s name twice on April 22, the complaint alleges.

Investigators reviewed the victim’s previous interactions with Amarillo police and found none that matched the reasons Eder entered into the systems when searching the person’s name or license plate, according to APD.

Police also reviewed Eder’s assignments and found he had no current or previous cases involving the victim or the victim’s vehicle.

Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate reader cameras that capture images of vehicles and their license plates as they pass. Law enforcement agencies can use the system to receive alerts for vehicles connected to stolen vehicle reports or other law enforcement notices and to develop investigative leads.

TLOxp allows investigators to search and connect information from multiple records and databases, including information about people, addresses, phone numbers, vehicles and businesses.

Amarillo Police Chief Thomas Hover said the department’s administrative investigation found Eder had used his access for a personal purpose.

“I am deeply frustrated and disappointed by Officer Eder’s decision to use his access to criminal justice information for a personal purpose and then be dishonest in an attempt to conceal his actions,” Hover said.

Hover said APD has since implemented additional safeguards, including increased supervisory review of officer searches, expanded auditing to identify possible misuse, reduced access to software and shorter data-retention periods.

Eder’s termination was an administrative action based on violations of department policy and is separate from the criminal case.

Tampering with a government record is a Class A misdemeanor in this case, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

The criminal charge is an allegation, and Eder is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.