Civil rights and liberties are central to democracy. Yet in the wake of mass shootings and entrenched urban crime, public surveillance is rising. Historically, police surveillance has disproportionately affected minority communities. This months-long investigation explores police and government use of facial recognition and related AI surveillance, and how such new-tech approaches affect communities in various urban areas nationwide.
December 16, 2020 | Baltimore Magazine
Civil Liberties Questions Plague Baltimore’s 'Spy Plane' Experiment
A New York University study raises new concerns about police department’s six-month aerial surveillance initiative.
August 07, 2020 | Baltimore Magazine
Prying Eyes
Military-grade surveillance keeps watch over Baltimore and city protests, but catches few criminals.
April 28, 2020 | Baltimore Magazine
Baltimore 'Spy Plane' Initiative Gets Okay From Federal Court
Judge cites “highly relevant” level of violence “afflicting the City of Baltimore.”
April 23, 2020 | Baltimore Magazine
Court Ruling on Baltimore Surveillance Planes Expected Friday
ACLU tries to halt what it calls “Orwellian nightmare come to life.”
December 18, 2020 | Project news
Recording From Above: Baltimore Police Aerial Surveillance
Joanne Cavanaugh Simpson speaks to St. Louis Public Radio about her reporting on surveillance, policing, and civil rights.