Civil Service Board hearing addresses appeals from former Savannah PD employees charged in Flock misuse case

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Records show a Civil Service Board hearing was held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to address employee appeal hearings for Matthew Rich and Donald Phillips.

In August, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested and charged four people connected to the Savannah Police Department with crimes related to misuse of a license plate reader system.

SEE: ‘There is no excuse for breaking that trust’: GBI arrests 4 former Savannah PD employees in Flock misuse case

Charges against former employees

Donald Phillips, 23, of Fleming, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.

Matthew Rich, 39, of Savannah, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and one count of violation of oath of office.

At the time of the offenses, the GBI said Phillips and Rich were employed as police officers.

Hearing proceedings

The Civil Service Board hearing agenda included statements from the appellant, including an opening statement, discussion of evidence, testimony of witnesses, and questions of evidence and witnesses.

The agenda also included statements from the City of Savannah, following the same format of opening statement, discussion of evidence, testimony of witnesses, and questions of evidence and witnesses.

RELATED: New rule gives Savannah city manager final say in disciplinary action appeals

Closing arguments were scheduled from the City of Savannah and the appellant, followed by a closing statement from the chair.

We reached out to the HR Director who told us no decision was made Tuesday and said a decision will come later.

What is the Civil Service Board?

The Civil Service Board was established in 1949 by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia for the purpose of hearing and determining the appeals and complaints respecting the administrative work of the Director, and such other matters as may be referred to the Board by the Director, to make such investigations as may be requested by the Mayor or the Aldermen where general city employees are affected, or on its own motion and to report thereon. Its basic function is to hear appeals from disciplinary action against an employee when it is alleged the action is taken for political or religious reasons.