High-Profile Fort Lauderdale Detective Fired After Internal Affairs Probe Uncovers GPS Tracker, Database Abuse
FORT LAUDERDALE – A Fort Lauderdale police detective once celebrated for community outreach and recruitment has been fired after an internal affairs investigation uncovered disturbing patterns of misconduct, including illegal surveillance, database misuse, and dishonesty during official inquiries.
Detective Henry Lockwood, a prominent face of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD), is now at the center of a departmental scandal that raises serious questions about trust, accountability, and abuse of power within South Florida’s law enforcement ranks.
Local 10 News obtained exclusive internal affairs documents that detail a months-long investigation into Lockwood’s behavior both on and off duty. The findings paint a troubling portrait of a public servant who allegedly used his badge for personal vendettas and private gain.
From Community Hero to Investigative Target
Lockwood was more than just a uniformed officer. He was known as a community bridge-builder, often seen mentoring youth at Dillard High School, leading charity events, and representing the department on television.
In 2023, he helped coordinate a Thanksgiving turkey drive feeding over 1,200 families in need. In early 2024, he was filmed on Fort Lauderdale Beach doing pushups with spring breakers to promote police recruitment. That same year, Lockwood appeared on Fox News touting the department’s community outreach.
Yet behind the polished image, the detective was under internal scrutiny for conduct officials later deemed “deceptive, unauthorized, and unethical.”
The GPS Tracker Incident
One of the most serious allegations involved a GPS tracking device discovered on the car of Lockwood’s ex-girlfriend. Initially, Lockwood denied any knowledge of the device. However, investigators say he later admitted to placing the tracker before reversing his statement again and blaming an unidentified third party.
Surveillance footage from Coconut Creek Hyundai reportedly captured Lockwood, in plain clothes and on duty, entering a restricted service area to retrieve the tracker after mechanics discovered it.
This act, coupled with conflicting statements, was a major factor in the department’s decision to terminate his employment.
Illegal Use of Law Enforcement Databases
The investigation also revealed Lockwood accessed sensitive law enforcement databases—including D.A.V.I.D. and FCIC/NCIC—at least 26 times between April and August 2024. The searches were unrelated to any official police duties and centered around individuals with personal ties to the detective, including his ex-girlfriend, her family, and former acquaintances.
The internal affairs report cites one instance where Lockwood provided a friend with his ex-girlfriend’s address, vehicle description, and license plate number. Lockwood claimed the friend needed the information to determine if the woman was “following him.”
Florida law classifies misuse of law enforcement databases for personal purposes as a felony, though no criminal charges have been filed as of publication.
Use of Police Vehicle for Personal Errands
Adding to the violations, investigators found Lockwood used his city-issued police cruiser during off-duty hours to chauffeur his ex-girlfriend’s brother for personal errands, gym trips, and social engagements throughout Hollywood, Florida. Automated license plate readers confirmed the vehicle’s route matched witness accounts.
The cumulative evidence led FLPD officials to recommend immediate termination.
Union Pushes Back, Criminal Charges Still Pending
While Lockwood has not been criminally charged, the Broward State Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit is now reviewing the case. If charges are filed, they could include felony misuse of state systems and unlawful surveillance.
In the meantime, the Fort Lauderdale Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 31 has filed an appeal on Lockwood’s behalf.
“The union is appealing the decision and supports Lockwood’s right to have the case reviewed by an independent arbitrator,” said a union spokesperson in a written statement.
Lockwood has not responded to Local 10’s multiple requests for comment. Attempts to reach him at his residence were unsuccessful.
A Blow to Community Trust
This latest scandal underscores ongoing concerns about internal accountability within the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Public confidence, already shaken by prior misconduct cases, now faces another test.
Lockwood’s fall from grace—once a role model in uniform, now an emblem of controversy—raises deeper questions about how well internal oversight mechanisms are working and whether South Florida law enforcement is prepared to root out its own bad actors.
As the investigation unfolds and the case potentially heads toward arbitration or prosecution, the public awaits a transparent resolution—and justice.
