Thread by @UR_Ninja

NEW: Despite Widespread Mistrust, Minneapolis PD to Fly Surveillance Drones
Warrantless #surveillance takes flight — Over 2,200 police #drone flights in 2021 — only five in which warrants were sought ahead of time
unicornriot.ninja/2022/despite-w…

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) “has decided to use drones”, explained a representative of the Department at a hearing on August 10th. This decision was sprung on Minneapolitans and their representatives at City Council without notice nor many options to object.

The proposed policy that could govern the use of drones by Minneapolis police is “porous”, according to Munira Mohamed of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota. “It gives police all the discretion.” unicornriot.ninja/2022/despite-w…

The Minneapolis City Council will not be voting whether or not to permit MPD to use drones — that’s clearly already been decided.
The public comment period on the 24th will likely be the only formal opportunity for concerned residents to voice opinions on surveillance drones.

Chris Weiland of the group Safety Not Surveillance explains that, “exceptions swallow the rule.” Police in Minnesota are required to apply for warrants when seeking to fly drones unless that flight falls under one of nine categories:

According to @MnDPS_BCA, “In 2021, MN law enforcement agencies reported a total of 2,265 UAV uses without a warrant. That is up 93.4% from the 1,171 reported in 2020.” The SCAO report reveals, “four UAV warrants were granted and one UAV warrant was denied.”

@MnDPS_BCA The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) compiles a report on law enforcement agencies that have deployed drones, tracking the reasons for each flight, expenses and other information. State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) publishes ## of times agencies applied for warrants.

@MnDPS_BCA The proposed policy by the Minneapolis PD mirrors weak statewide regulations. Of particular concern to activists is the provision that MPD shall not fly drones above protests or “public event(s)” unless “there is a heightened risk to the safety of participants or bystanders.”

@MnDPS_BCA Furthermore, the proposed policy explains that “vision enhancement technology” such as infrared or night vision can only be used “where there is no protectable privacy interest.”
Any public space is fair game, per 1967 Katz v. US SCOTUS ruling.

@MnDPS_BCA The MPD drone proposal also pays lip service to the ban on police use of facial recognition. Using exceptions, it does not rule out use of a drone equipped with such capabilities. Data can simply be handed to the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office or other agencies.

The drone policy has not instilled confidence that MPD is willing to moderate practices and listen to direction from the community at large; it created a scramble amongst activists and their representatives in City Council who are still trying to get answers to basic questions.

Councilmember Robin Wonsley @MplsWard2 attempted to probe the MPD during August 10 hearing -- inquired as to who exactly was behind this push to add drones to the MPD’s inventory. MPD’s representative obfuscated, saying only “ultimately, it’s been decided that we’ll use drones.”

@MplsWard2 “It was puzzling to say we want a public hearing for something that’s already been decided. Mayor Frey has complete oversight authority over MPD and their implementation of policies and we should name who is authorizing these decisions.” -Councilmember Robin Wonsley @MplsWard2

@MplsWard2 Clip of the exchange between Wonsley @MplsWard2 & MPD via @WedgeLIVE:

https://twitter.com/WedgeLIVE/status/1557457039974080513

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE “Why should MPD just get to decide to use drones? Who do they serve? And why is it that we as the public, the taxpayer, the citizen don’t have a direct say in what surveillance or military technology our local governments use?” Munira Mohamed, @ACLUMN

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE @ACLUMN An alternative approach that has been pitched is called Community Control Over Police Surveillance.
A #CCOPS style ordinance would empower the City Council to force the police to disclose plans to obtain new technology and military equipment and then seek a vote.

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE @ACLUMN The Minneapolis Police Department is in negotiations over an impending consent decree following a damning report from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). Report > mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE @ACLUMN The MDHR report follows years or investigations and reports demonstrating and clearly detailing systemic racial biases and discrimination by the MPD.

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE @ACLUMN “...We haven’t even finalized the consent decree based upon the MDHR findings which show [MPD] engaged in negligent, racist, misogynistic surveillance practices with something as basic as Facebook and social media… now we’re going to put drones in their hands?” @MplsWard2

@MplsWard2 @WedgeLIVE @ACLUMN For more details check the full story:
Despite Widespread Mistrust, Minneapolis PD to Fly Surveillance Drones
- thanks to contributor Sam Richards @MinneapoliSam unicornriot.ninja/2022/despite-w…

Your support makes local coverage possible! Become a monthly donor and keep our wheels turning at unicornriot.ninja/donate ✨💞🦄