08/31/2026
DATE: August 31, 2026
CASE NUMBER:
INCIDENT TYPE: Tampering with Government Record
OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE: Thomas Hover-Chief of Police; Sgt. Carla Burr-PIO
DETAILS: The Amarillo Police Department (APD) is providing additional information regarding the case involving former APD Officer Christian Eder, whose employment with the department was terminated on July 17, 2026.
APD received a citizen complaint regarding Eder's conduct. An internal investigation determined Eder had improperly used department resources, resulting in his termination for policy violations. Information identified during that investigation was referred to the Potter County Attorney's Office for review and possible criminal prosecution.
The Potter County Attorney's Office has now accepted a criminal complaint charging Eder with Tampering with a Government Record, Texas Penal Code 37.10, Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4000, jail up to one year, or both.
According to the criminal complaint, it alleges that Eder had searched the FLOCK camera system for the victim’s license plate number 76 times between February 2026 and June 2026. The complaint further alleges an audit of Eder's use of TLOxp showed that Eder searched for the victim’s name two separate times on April 22, 2026. A review of the victim’s involvements with Amarillo Police Department was reviewed and there were no involvements with them related to the reasons Eder input into either the FLOCK or TLOxp records for running their name or license plate. Further, a review of Eder's assignments was conducted, and Eder had no current or former cases or assignments involving the victim or their vehicle.
Flock Safety cameras are automated cameras that capture images of vehicles and license plates as they pass by. They can alert officers when a vehicle associated with a stolen vehicle or other law-enforcement alert is detected and can help investigators develop leads in criminal cases. Flock cameras do not use facial recognition technology.
TLOxp is an investigative tool that helps officers and detectives find and connect information from multiple records and databases. It can help investigators locate people, addresses, phone numbers, vehicles and businesses, and identify connections that may be important to an investigation.
Eder's termination was based on the findings of APD's internal administrative investigation and violations of department policy. The criminal allegations are separate from the administrative investigation and are subject to and will proceed through the judicial process. A criminal charge is an allegation, and Eder is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Thomas Hover said, “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. Law enforcement officers are entrusted with access to sensitive information for legitimate criminal justice purposes, and that trust comes with a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.”
“I have implemented additional safeguards to reduce the likelihood of this happening again. These measures include increased supervisory review of officer searches, expanded auditing capabilities to identify potential misuse, reduced access to software and reduced data-retention periods.
“Integrity and credibility are fundamental to this profession and to the trust our community places in us. Based on the findings of the investigation, I made the decision to terminate Officer Eder and refer the matter to the Potter County Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges.”
APD will not release information that could interfere with the pending criminal case or information that is confidential by law.
