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City surveillance system

City won’t release real-time surveillance footage to the public, possibly violating state law

Aware that camera footage could be abused, the city developed a policy that shields most video from release. But that policy appears to go against state sunshine laws.

By Charles Maldonado | August 9, 2019

Police found surveillance cameras with NOPD logos mounted to a Lakeview light pole. They weren’t the city’s. But they were near a house connected to a city crime-camera contractor.

Active Solutions COO Jeff Burkhardt denied that he purchased or owned the cameras, calling a reporter’s questions “fake news.” Less than 24 hours after The Lens called him, the cameras were gone.

By Michael Stein and Charles Maldonado | June 20, 2019

A year later, progress continues on Cantrell program to ID ‘high-risk’ residents, but few details available

Civil rights activists say they’re concerned over lack of transparency and a potential return to ‘predictive policing’ methods.

By Michael Isaac Stein | June 3, 2019

Court orders city to hand over records on surveillance network

Judge rejects argument that cameras are used for terrorism prevention.

By Charles Maldonado | May 6, 2019

Public defender sues city for records on surveillance camera locations

CIty denied a public records request from the defense attorney last summer, claiming it would reveal sensitive information related to terrorism prevention. But civil rights groups representing her say the cameras are, in fact, normally used for routine law enforcement and criminal prosecution.

By Charles Maldonado | February 20, 2019

‘Holy cow’: the powerful software behind the city’s surveillance system

Software package can track movement and identify objects and people. The suite also includes “predictive policing” software, but officials say the city isn’t using it.

By Michael Isaac Stein | December 20, 2018

Months after end of ‘predictive policing’ contract, Cantrell administration works on new tool to ID ‘high-risk’ residents

The researcher whose work was used in NOLA for Life, Chicago “heat list” is involved in developing the new program for Cantrell’s violence reduction task force. Task force members hope the list will be used to direct residents to social services, not police.

By Michael Isaac Stein | October 24, 2018

City Council considers $100,000 for new crime cameras in Gentilly

The budget committee advanced a proposal to fund eight new cameras through the Gentilly Development District. The cameras would be linked to the city’s surveillance hub.