California Police Utilize High-Tech Surveillance to Combat Illegal Street Racing

Introduction

As the police in California intensify their efforts to curb illegal street racing, takeovers, and sideshows, tech companies are stepping up to provide new surveillance tools. This has sparked a debate about the potential implications for privacy rights and Fourth Amendment protections.

Technology in Action

In the Bay Area and Los Angeles, where such incidents have become increasingly bold and violent in recent years, police agencies are already using planes, drones, and automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to reduce the risk to first responders. These tools have started to yield results. For instance, on October 25, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the seizure of 16 vehicles involved in two separate takeovers a month earlier. The officers used video evidence from cameras placed around the Bay Bridge to identify the vehicles and request seizure orders from a judge.

Impact of Technology

With the aid of these technologies, CHP officers deployed to Oakland have seized over 2,000 stolen vehicles since February. Furthermore, a surveillance system used by police to detect gunshots and fireworks is now being repurposed to listen for the sounds of illegal street racing, takeovers, and sideshows. This was announced by Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company that leases surveillance systems to thousands of law enforcement agencies across the United States.

Concerns About Privacy

The reconfiguration of this technology has reignited age-old questions about the balance between privacy and public safety. Critics argue that the deployment of such technologies is part of a gradual encroachment on constitutional rights that has accelerated since 9/11. Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union, expressed concern about these technologies operating in a democratic society.

Accuracy of Surveillance Systems

While Flock claims that its Raven system for gunshot detection is 90 percent accurate, various reports have questioned such claims. Critics argue that the tendency of acoustic gunshot detection towards false positives can put people at risk. Some cities have even canceled contracts with Flock or similar providers after analysis revealed disappointing results.

Expansion of Surveillance Networks

In recent years, California municipalities have expanded their surveillance networks, with AI-powered technology adding an unprecedented accelerant. For example, earlier this year, San Francisco installed 400 ALPR cameras, and Oakland installed 480 Flock cameras. In some California cities, police can now also access private security camera networks if neighbors grant them permission.

Privacy Regulations

Despite the benefits of these surveillance technologies, questions remain about how the data they collect is protected and used. The ACLU has raised concerns about the storage of data in these systems, arguing that the databases of motorists' location information that are created as a result are often retained permanently and shared with little to no restriction.

4th Amendment Concerns

A federal lawsuit filed against the use of Flock’s surveillance network in Norfolk, Virginia, alleges that the city is violating Fourth Amendment rights by tracking people's public movements. Flock countered that Fourth Amendment case law shows license plate readers don't constitute a warrantless search because they photograph cars in public, where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Bottom Line

While the use of technology in law enforcement can undoubtedly aid in crime prevention and investigation, it's crucial to strike a balance between public safety and individual privacy rights. As communities continue to adopt these technologies, they must carefully consider their potential consequences. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe the benefits of such surveillance outweigh the potential privacy concerns? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.