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.

Court watching is a way to hold your district attorneys (DAs) accountable for the decisions they make in the courtroom. By attending court hearings and documenting what happens, you will gain a better understanding of how the decisions DAs make every day impact members of our communities. It also helps us push for changes in the policies and practices that lead to major racial disparities, excessive punishments, and over-incarceration.

Attend our training to learn the basics of court watching, including how the Massachusetts criminal courts work and what to look for while you’re in the courtroom.

This training is part of the “What a Difference a DA Makes” campaign’s 5-5-5 efforts. Over 5 months, 5 organizations will host court watch trainings in 5 counties across the state. March’s training will take place in Worcester and is hosted by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Mass Bail Fund, Families for Justice as Healing, National Lawyers’ Guild, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

These trainings are free and open to the public. All are welcome. Sign up for a training here!