The Boston City Council is holding public hearing about the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) use of surveillance equipment like drones, cameras, social media software, and license plate readers. The City Council is considering drafting an ordinance that would regulate the BPD’s purchase and use of surveillance technology.
We encourage residents to testify in support of an ordinance to require community control over police surveillance. The ACLU of Massachusetts supports a policy to protect privacy, civil liberties, and the democratic process by mandating transparency, public oversight, and city council approval of BPD surveillance programs. An ideal ordinance sets up a democratic, transparent process so the public is fully informed and engaged in the conversation about what police departments are doing, and why. Say no to secret surveillance, and yes to community control of the police!
Click here for more information about the hearing.
Click here to learn more about community control over police surveillance.