Local police departments are using increasingly advanced technology to keep watch over their jurisdictions. But advocates and researchers say that as the technology grows more advanced, transparency and accountability is going down. A new report from Georgetown University revealed that half of American adults nationwide are in a law enforcement face recognition network, and Maryland’s use of the technology is particularly aggressive. Maryland State Police are able to compare images of criminal suspects with millions of drivers’ license photos. D.C. police is similarly under fire from advocates who say citizens deserve more say in how and when they are being watched, like through “StingRay” technology, which is used by police to track suspects’ cell phones, but also collects information from bystanders in the area. Kojo explores the often secret technology that local police are using to watch citizens.

Guests

  • Monica Hopkins-Maxwell Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation's Capital
  • Clare Garvie Associate, The Center on Privacy & Technology, Georgetown University Law Center

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