Credible published reporting
Melvin Tellis
Authorities’ allegations and reported case history are preserved alongside source provenance.
OH-COLUMBUS-TELLIS-2026-09-03
Melvin Tellis
Columbus officials say Tellis searched for the location of a single vehicle more than 200 times using the city's Flock Safety system. The police chief said the searches do not appear connected to a legitimate investigation.
1 linked source
Last verified September 5, 2026
//Person
Name
Melvin Tellis
Role title
Police Officer
Role type
Sworn law enforcement
Agency
Columbus Division of Police
City
Columbus
County
Franklin
State
Ohio
//Current status
Status
Relieved of Duty / Investigation Ongoing
Employment outcome
Relieved of duty
Arrest date
Unknown
Jail
Unknown
Case-status notes
Tellis was relieved of duty, not fired, while the investigation continues. On Sept. 3, 2026, Columbus suspended its use of Flock cameras while investigating the reported misuse.
//Alleged conduct and technology
Why this case is in the database
Columbus officials say Tellis searched for the location of a single vehicle more than 200 times using the city's Flock Safety system. The police chief said the searches do not appear connected to a legitimate investigation.
Technology type
Columbus officials say Tellis searched for the location of a single vehicle more than 200 times using the city's Flock Safety system. The police chief said the searches do not appear connected to a legitimate investigation.; Automated License Plate Reader
Reported vendor
Flock Safety
Vendor note
Unknown
Reported product
Unknown
Misuse start
Unknown
Misuse end
Unknown
Known alleged search count
200+
Known duration
Unknown
Alleged unauthorized/non-law-enforcement usePersonal searchPossible stalking
//Discovery and investigation
Discovery method
News investigation / Department investigation
Investigating agency
Columbus Division of Police
Known charge count
Unknown
Charges
Unknown
//Timeline
News investigation / Department investigation
Tellis was relieved of duty, not fired, while the investigation continues. On Sept. 3, 2026, Columbus suspended its use of Flock cameras while investigating the reported misuse.
Relieved of duty
Tellis was relieved of duty, not fired, while the investigation continues. On Sept. 3, 2026, Columbus suspended its use of Flock cameras while investigating the reported misuse.
Investigated
Tellis was relieved of duty, not fired, while the investigation continues. On Sept. 3, 2026, Columbus suspended its use of Flock cameras while investigating the reported misuse.