Behind the Lens episode 279: ‘Incompetent or lying’

Delaney Dryfoos on what the Alabo Street Wharf development may mean for neighbors. Matthew Wollenweber on NOPD's use of surveillance, including 5,000 cameras and partnerships that use facial recognition technology.
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This week on Behind The Lens, complex zoning and permitting processes mean residents of the Lower 9th are in the dark about what the plans for revitalization of the Alabo Street Wharf might mean for them. Sunrise Foods International has announced plans to convert the wharf there into the first dedicated organic port in the country. But neighbors to the facility have been left in an information vacuum. 

And the New Orleans Police Department appears to be using more than 5,000 cameras along with facial recognition software throughout the city, despite a ban on the technology by the New Orleans City Council, says our special guest Matthew Wollenweber, a New Orleans based security engineer, raising serious privacy concerns. 

Our guests this week are freelance reporter Matthew Wollenweber and Lens reporter Delaney Dryfoos.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Luna by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic planning, research, branding, and non-traditional revenue generation. During her tenure she also created and launched four weekly news, public affairs and cultural affairs programs and monthly live Town Hall broadcasts. Heldman moved to New Orleans last summer with her husband and canine companion and they live happily in The Marigny.