AzCLU Denounces Town of Superior's Big Brother Policing Tactics
AzCLU Denounces Town of Superiors Big Brother Policing Tactics
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 14, 1997
PHOENIX — The Town of Superior will unveil a new policing tactic on Saturday cameras mounted in the town square and Main Street to tape citizens activities. The police hope the new “Video Security System” will deter criminal activity and provide additional support to their limited staff.
The Arizona Civil Liberties Union warns that even though the surveillance cameras are in public places, they allow police new power to pry into citizens private lives.
“Such tactics bring to mind Big Brother government monitoring citizens movements,” said Katrina Nylund, Interim Director at the Arizona Civil Liberties Union “People should be free to cross town without fearing that their daily activities will be on file in the police chiefs video library.”
Police Chief Robert W. Lowe said the cameras are being installed to ensure officer safety and to reduce vandalism. Due to budget cuts in recent years officers are often forced to respond to calls alone. The Chief hopes the cameras will provide backup support for the officers. “Its unfortunate that citizens have to compromise their privacy because the police department isnt adequately funded,” said Nylund.
Cities around the country who have experimented with video surveillance cameras have had mixed results. Without any concrete evidence that cameras are successful crime fighters, the ACLU urges that the cameras remain unplugged.
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in National Security
-
ACLU Acknowledges Improvements to DOJ Racial Profiling Policy, But Says Far More is Needed
-
ACLU Applauds Court For Allowing Case Challenging FBI’s Wrongful Prosecution of Chinese American Physics Professor To Move Forward
-
Shen v. Simpson
-
Chinese Immigrants Sue Florida Over Unconstitutional and Discriminatory Law Banning Them From Buying Land
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About National Security
The ACLU’s National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.