Amarillo, TX — A former Amarillo Police Department officer has been charged with Tampering with a Government Record after an internal investigation found alleged misuse of department resources, according to APD.
The department identified the former officer as Christian Eder, whose employment was terminated July 17, 2026.
APD said the case began with a citizen complaint regarding Eder’s conduct. An internal administrative investigation determined that he had improperly used department resources, resulting in termination for policy violations.
Information uncovered during that investigation was referred to the Potter County Attorney’s Office, which has now accepted a criminal complaint charging Eder with:
• Tampering with a Government Record — Class A Misdemeanor
Under Texas law, the offense is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
According to the criminal complaint, Eder allegedly searched the Flock camera system for the victim’s license plate 76 times between February and June 2026.
The complaint also alleges that an audit of Eder’s use of TLOxp showed two searches for the victim’s name on April 22.
APD said a review found no police involvement, case assignment or investigative reason connecting Eder to the victim or the victim’s vehicle that matched the reasons entered for the searches.
Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate recognition cameras used to help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to stolen vehicle alerts and develop investigative leads. APD noted the cameras do not use facial recognition technology.
TLOxp is an investigative database used by law enforcement to locate and connect information involving people, addresses, phone numbers, vehicles and businesses.
Chief Thomas Hover said Eder’s alleged use of criminal justice information for a personal purpose, followed by alleged dishonesty intended to conceal the conduct, violated the trust placed in law enforcement officers.
APD said additional safeguards have since been implemented, including increased supervisory review of searches, expanded auditing, reduced software access and shorter data-retention periods.
The criminal case is separate from the administrative investigation that led to Eder’s termination.
The charge is an allegation. Eder is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.