EFF: New Orleans Police Watchdog Warns of Dangers of Expanded Surveillance
New Orleans Police Watchdog Warns of Dangers of Expanded Surveillance In a stern warning to the New Orleans City Council, the city’s top police watchdog has criticized a plan to expand surveillance without also expanding oversight. The Office of Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) warned that the city is on a path that may lead to abuse, racial discrimination, and fiscal waste. New Orleans Real Time Crime Center (Source: Nola.gov) In November, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced a $5-million “Real Time Crime Monitoring Center” near the French Quarter that would allow for 24-7 monitoring of both private and government-owned CCTV cameras, automated license plate readers (ALPRS), and other advanced surveillance technology. The facility coincides with a plan to install 250 new surveillance cameras and 106 new ALPRs in 2018. The plan was also criticized by the Music & Culture Coalition of New Orleans [.pdf], which represents the Big Easy’s vibrant art and...