D.C. Takeover Shows How Cities Can Lose Control of Surveillance
7 days ago
- #federal-overreach
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- President Trump deployed 850 federal agents in tactical gear to Washington, D.C., under an executive order to address crime.
- The Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) uses AI-powered surveillance (FususONE) to monitor 28,000+ public/private cameras 24/7.
- FususONE integrates live feeds from drones, traffic cameras, and private sources, plus license plate readers and gunshot detection.
- Total cost: $13M for cameras/readers, $3.4M for tech, and $8.7M for staffing.
- RTCC rules initially barred tracking lawful First Amendment protesters, but federal takeover may override local policies.
- Federal agents now prioritize
- federal purposes," with DEA head Terry Cole as emergency police commissioner.",
- RTCC has aided arrests (e.g., carjackings, shootings) but could now target individuals for broader "federal" reasons.
- White House reported 23 arrests, including fare evasion and immigration-related detentions, under expanded federal authority.
- Trump stated officers can
- do whatever the hell they want," signaling reduced constraints on enforcement.",
- Privacy advocates warn RTCC data risks misuse, citing leaks and potential abuse by federal agencies.
- D.C. Mayor Bowser criticized the federal takeover as an intrusion on local autonomy, unlike past collaborations.
- Axon (FususONE provider) emphasized tool usage is determined by agencies, not manufacturers.
- ACLU warns local data collection could enable federal overreach, urging communities to reconsider surveillance investments.
- Trump plans to extend federal control beyond 30 days via crime bill or national emergency, possibly expanding to other cities.
- D.C.’s legal battle over federal overreach may set precedents for other cities facing similar actions.