10/07/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: October 7th, 2026
Subj: Statement Regarding Internal Audit and Criminal Charges
Released by: Chief Douglas Stout
On September 8, 2026, Kokomo Police Department Chief Douglas Stout requested an internal audit of the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system inquiries conducted by officers within the department.
The Kokomo Police Department is currently updating its policy governing the use of LPR technology. While LPR-related procedures and policy have existed within department policy since 2019, the updated policy, which is nearing completion, will include recurring audits of LPR searches in accordance with standards established by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
As part of the policy review process, Chief Stout ordered a proactive audit of all LPR inquiries conducted between January 1, 2025, and September 7, 2026. The audit verified over 9,000 searches conducted by KPD officers during the time frame. All but 18 of the internal inquiries were directly linked to ongoing criminal investigations. Eighteen of the searches were identified as what appeared to be unauthorized access and use of LPR information by a department officer who conducted searches involving his then-current spouse for personal reasons.
The findings were forwarded to Chief Stout, who immediately directed the Professional Standards Unit to initiate an internal investigation. Simultaneously, a criminal investigation was opened and investigated.
The officer fully cooperated throughout the criminal investigation and was represented by legal counsel. Upon completion of the investigation, the case was submitted to the Howard County Prosecutor's Office for review.
On October 6, 2026, Kokomo Police Department administration was notified that the Prosecutor's Office had filed charges with an arrest warrant for Officer Jeffery Bornes. The charges include:
• One count of Official Misconduct, Indiana Code 35-44.1-1-1(1), as a Level 6 Felony.
• One count of Fraud, Indiana Code 35-43-5-4(a)(1)(A), as a Class A Misdemeanor.
• One count of Fraud, Indiana Code 35-43-5-4(a)(3), as a Class A Misdemeanor.
“I want to reassure our community that this incident was identified through a proactive internal audit, which should provide confidence in the culture and accountability of the Kokomo Police Department,” said Chief Stout. “We are committed to maintaining an environment that empowers employees to act courageously and ethically when they observe misconduct. Internal reporting reflects the professionalism, integrity, and accountability our community deserves and should expect from its police department.”
Due to the pending criminal case, the Kokomo Police Department will not be providing any additional information at this time.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
