In China they have cameras everywhere. I’m not a fan, but by most accounts the government doesn’t abuse this power much and it has made Chinese cities far safer. (If you want to argue they do abuse the power a lot, please look at incarceration per capita in China compared to the US. China seems to suck at police stateing. Yes, I know that’s not a word, but this is my blog and I’m going to use it anyway!)
In the US it’s flock cameras. They’re everywhere it seems.
⚠️Ten years ago we saw videos of China’s wall‑to‑wall cameras and said, “Glad that’s not us.”
Well… are we there yet?
HT: @jamesmadisonaudits pic.twitter.com/AfOR5WQCrx
— Jason Bassler (@JasonBassler1) June 17, 2026
Flock has recently expanded into other technologies, including advanced cameras that monitor more than just vehicles. Most concerning are the latest Flock drones equipped with high-powered cameras. Flock’s “Drone as First Responder” platform automates drone operations, including launching them in response to 911 calls or gunfire. Flock’s drones, which reach speeds up to 60 mph, can follow vehicles or people and provide information to law enforcement.
The key thing here is that police can get this data easily, without a warrant. Even if you’re smart enough to leave your phone at home, pretty soon they’ll be able to track everything you do. This data will be stored, and if it’s ever time to get you, they will have years of data. What was innocuous at the time (that organization wasn’t on the watch list when you were involved) can be used against you, especially since America’s laws are so labyrinthine that practically everyone has committed something a prosecutor could call a crime.
And the idea that only police will have access to the data is laughable.
Trust America to create a panopticon which is worse than a government controlled one. Not only does the government get your 24/7 activities, but so can corporations and connected rich people.
God bless the Free market.
Old timers will know I used to write a lot about the coming surveillance society. Well, it’s pretty close to her. Less than five years, I’d guess, and anonymity will be essentially totally gone. Welcome to fishbowl world.
I also wrote many years ago that I’d know people were getting serious about freedom when they started destroying surveillance cameras, and there’s some signs of that:
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: People are straight-up DESTROYING Flock cameras across the country right now.
They’re out at night with power tools, sparks flying, cutting these surveillance poles down like it’s nothing.
Is this the start of a real privacy uprising… or just reckless… https://t.co/GYWmc1DFOF pic.twitter.com/WaMdqo5rH4
— Noah B. Price (@TrueOnX) July 2, 2026
A sliver of a silver lining, but better than nothing.
As for China, the CPC may be using this mostly responsibly, but it’s a loaded gun waiting to picked up when the government turns tyrannical and if history tells us anything it’s that over a hundred years or so, that’s almost guaranteed.
A surveilled world may be safer in some ways, but the price is significant.
What I write here is for the benefit of everyone, but alas, I live in capitalism and I, and the site, take money to keep running. If you value the writing here and can, please subscribe or donate.
cc
“Citizens will be on their best behavior, because we’re constantly recording and reporting everything that is going on.”
– Oracle CEO Zionist billionaire oligarch Larry Ellison, September 2024
As seen on video at the 5:33 mark in the following 14-minute clip:
“Harrison H. Smith – I might get killed for posting this, the least you could do is watch it.” – 22.6M views
https://x.com/HarrisonHSmith/status/2018753453544124833
Cameras + Internet/phone surveillance + AI + rising Zionist-driven fascism in Oceania (aka The West) is a recipe for George Orwell’s 1984’s Big Brotherism
Each of those parts is relentlessly increasing, and checks and balances are crumbling. Gaza is a microcosm of that surveillance + AI + Zionist fascism.
ICE in the US and the wave of arrests for tweets or holding anti-genocide signs in the UK show the direction.
Outrage as UK Activists Get Combined 25 Yrs for ‘Terrorism’
https://consortiumnews.com/2026/06/13/outrage-as-uk-activists-get-combined-25-yrs-for-terrorism/
Like & Subscribe
It’s good to see Mamdani has already dismantled New York City’s massive, sprawling surveillance system.
https://www.wired.com/story/welcome-to-mamdanis-surveillance-state/
Although Mamdani’s mayoral campaign was defined by his relentless emphasis on affordability, the looming battles with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and the breakneck buildout of the NYPD’s already formidable surveillance arsenal under Adams means he will be forced to reckon with the police department’s spying programs.
”Mass surveillance endangers all values at the heart of our democracy, and I do hope that our next mayor is willing to be a spokesperson for this cause,” says STOP’s Fox Cahn. “You can’t be a sanctuary city and a surveillance state—you can’t promise to protect undocumented neighbors and provide a data pipeline to ICE.”
marku
Minor edit: policy stateing == police stateing.
I assume….
spud
i watch james madison audits all of the time. he is a ex-cop, that had a conscience, now dedicates himself to outing the illegal standing army with almost pure impunity called the police and prosecutors.
The average American is estimated to commit multiple felonies a day without knowing it due to the vast and complex nature of federal criminal laws. This situation reflects how the extensive criminal code can inadvertently turn ordinary actions into criminal offenses.
rightoncrime.com
Understanding Everyday Felony Risks
The Complexity of Criminal Laws
The average American is estimated to commit multiple felonies each day without even realizing it. This is largely due to the vast and intricate nature of federal criminal laws, which have expanded significantly over time.
Overgrown Criminal Code: There are more than 3,500 federal criminal statutes and over 300,000 federal regulations that carry criminal penalties. This complexity makes it difficult for individuals to know what actions may be considered illegal.
Lack of Awareness: Many people unknowingly violate laws that they are not aware exist, leading to potential felony charges for actions that seem benign.
Implications of Unintentional Felonies
The consequences of being charged with a felony can be severe, including:
Legal Penalties: Felony convictions can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent mark on one’s criminal record.
Employment Barriers: Individuals with felony records often face challenges in securing jobs, as many employers conduct background checks and may disqualify applicants based on their criminal history.
Social Stigma: A felony record can lead to social stigma, affecting personal relationships and community standing.
The expansive nature of federal criminal laws means that ordinary actions can inadvertently lead to felony charges for many Americans. Understanding these laws is crucial to navigating potential legal pitfalls.
rightoncrime.com Brennan Center for Justice
The Founding Fathers expressed deep concerns about standing armies and militarized law enforcement, fearing they could threaten liberty; James Madison warned that a standing military force with an overgrown executive would not be safe for liberty.
Observer The New Republic
The Founding Fathers had significant apprehensions regarding the establishment of standing armies and militarized law enforcement. Their fears were rooted in the belief that such forces could undermine individual liberties and lead to tyranny.
James Madison: He cautioned that a standing military force, particularly one under an overreaching executive, would pose a threat to liberty. He stated, “The means of defense against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.”
Samuel Adams: He echoed similar sentiments, arguing that a professional army could be dangerous to the liberties of the people, as soldiers might become detached from the populace and more loyal to their officers than to the government.
The Founders’ concerns were influenced by their experiences with British troops during the colonial period, which included events like the Boston Massacre. This history shaped their views on the necessity of civilian control over military forces and the importance of limiting the power of law enforcement.
Today, the militarization of police forces in the United States has sparked debates reminiscent of those in the 18th century. Critics argue that local law enforcement agencies are increasingly equipped like standing armies, which raises questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.
Current Equipment Trends
Equipment Type Description
Armed Vehicles Police departments use military-grade vehicles for patrol.
Firearms Officers are equipped with high-powered rifles and other military weapons.
Tactical Gear Use of body armor and other military-style gear during routine policing.
The Founding Fathers’ warnings remain relevant as society grapples with the implications of militarized policing on democracy and individual rights.
The New Republic Observer
The Founding Fathers were generally wary of a strong police force, fearing it could resemble a standing army that might threaten liberty. They expressed concerns about the potential for tyranny, as seen in their opposition to maintaining a permanent military presence, which influenced the creation of laws like the Posse Comitatus Act that restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Observer rbhayes.org
Modern policing practices reflect many of the same concerns the Founding Fathers expressed about maintaining order and preventing tyranny, though their era lacked professionalized law enforcement.
counciloncj.org NAACP
The Founding Fathers’ opinions on militarized law enforcement were significantly influenced by events such as the Boston Massacre, where British soldiers acted as police and clashed with civilians, highlighting the dangers of military involvement in law enforcement. This experience led to the establishment of protections, like the Third Amendment, to prevent military forces from infringing on civilian rights.
FBI Wikipedia
commons.wikimedia.org
Bob McNeely, The White House[1] / Public domain
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, signed by Bill Clinton, included provisions that funded the hiring of 100,000 new police officers and provided significant resources for law enforcement, which some critics argue contributed to the militarization of police forces across the United States. This act is often viewed as a pivotal moment in the expansion of police powers and resources.
Wikipedia FactCheck.org
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, signed by President Bill Clinton, is often cited as a significant factor in the militarization of police in the United States. This act provided substantial funding and resources aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
Key Provisions of the 1994 Crime Bill
Funding for Police: The act allocated resources for hiring 100,000 new police officers across the country.
Increased Law Enforcement Resources: It provided significant financial support for law enforcement agencies, which some critics argue led to the militarization of police forces.
Impact on Police Militarization
The funding and resources from the 1994 Crime Bill contributed to:
Enhanced Equipment: Police departments acquired military-grade equipment and technology, which changed the nature of policing.
Tactical Training: Increased funding allowed for more tactical training, further aligning police practices with military operations.
Critics argue that these changes have led to:
Increased Aggression: The militarization of police has been linked to more aggressive policing tactics, particularly in communities of color.
Public Safety Concerns: The presence of militarized police forces has raised concerns about public safety and community relations.
The 1994 Crime Bill is thus viewed as a pivotal moment that significantly influenced the trajectory of police militarization in the United States.
Wikipedia
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 has had significant long-term effects, including increased mass incarceration, particularly among communities of color, due to harsh penalties and mandatory minimum sentences. Additionally, it has contributed to ongoing issues of police misconduct and racial profiling, while also implementing some positive measures like the Violence Against Women Act.
Brookings americanprogress.org
Feral Finster
Of course. We saw this in the Biden Administration, when it was decided to outsource the censorship function to big tech, thus putting this vital activity outside the reach of pesky FOIA lawsuits and unaffected by unwanted election results.
Trump has simply continued and expanded this.
The KKK and their allies performed a similar quasi-law enforcement function in the Jim Crow era South, which is why Sheriff Buford might on the one hand claim to be The Law In Dis Heah County when it came to arresting civil rights protesters on any laughable pretext, and at the same time, just a private citizen exercising his God-given rights when it came time to preside over the local Klavern in full regalia.
mago
Ah, for the good old days when surveillance was cruder and the boys in The Business used pay phones to do their business because it was taken for granted that your home line was tapped. (I did a little cheffing for some new age mafia types and their families back in the day to make ends meet. Better than restaurant work.)
One person who was supposedly out of The Business told me not to use his phone to call another person who was still very active. He said, listen I don’t care if you’re discussing a dinner menu, the people listening in think everything is code, so if you say lettuce they think you’re talking about money. Those guys were always looking over their shoulders.
And the phones were tapped. The DEA didn’t try very hard to disguise it, or maybe the technology was just clumsy. You could always tell by clicks and pauses, for example.
I knew a couple of people in The Business who hired a tech whiz to put together some anti surveillance equipment. One day two agents showed up at the kid’s door and offered to buy him out. Just as an aside, his employers went on to start a major natural foods distribution company,
I recounted here once before how I got pulled aside at customs in the early 90’s after returning from an extended stay in Europe and was interrogated about addresses from ten years past. So even then they were collecting and retaining data. (I hadn’t broken any laws, btw, just associated with people of interest.)
Anyway, I often wonder how those people who flew under the radar back in the day operate in today’s world.
On the topic of felonies, as spud points out most Americans are unwittingly eligible, and if you have that black mark against you you’re screwed. Even getting car insurance is complicated let alone other everyday necessities and transactions.
Then to neatly tie up the surveillance state, there’s the movement to eliminate cash and make all financial transactions digital. It’s already a fait acompli in Europe I do believe. What’s an honest citizen to do? Btw, when I see people with fistfuls of cash, I automatically think drug dealer. Old conditioning.
As the band Spirit sang back in the sixties, you better watch out where go/and watch out who you know/watch what you do because Big Brother’s watching you.
Ah, we’ve come a long ways baby.
And we are so screwed.
Mark Level
Yeah this is all pretty scary, but nothing in the least surprising about it, it’s not really hidden in the least. Just part of Late Capitalism’s drive toward full-on Oligarchic Fascism. Glad to see those hooded youths smashing those Flock Cameras up. . . anyone remember the silly IPhone ad about fighting back against “Big Brother”? The Tech Bros do it because they CAN, it’s in their prime directive, gotta appreciate that they gaslighted they were freeing you, though the master plan was exactly the opposite.
I’m not minimizing the Deep State’s Fascist Panopticon in the least by noting that the wretched UK has it many times worse. I’m sure most are aware of the new law to “support teen mental health,” Universal Surveillance when you are online for any reason;
Up to age 16 or so, all youth must register so they don’t go to “improper” e.g. adult websites. But that was just the Camel’s nose in the tent, Adults now forced to have Government ID, surveilled 24/7. What was that old film about the East German Stasi, all the spies, blackmailers, “The Lives of Others”? They were the Baddies then, but everyone knows (well, not LAS maybe) that we are the Baddies now.
Speaking of LAS, his reading comprehension seems a little on the fritz today. Maybe he’s excited for the Jingoistic Holiday, and proud to live in a country with 3 holidays for War and Death, and only one for Labor. I followed his link, the writer doesn’t just imply but states back their belief that Mamdami is pushing back against that Fascist/Zionist Lady Police Chief. So that’s not nothing. Now, maybe he imagines as NYC Mayor Mamdani has absolute power to do whatever he wills, as if it were the days of Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia who truly had great political powers. His popularity with the New York public is at 68%, how many US officials have even half that? Next to none, obviously, not the Donald certainly. (Oddly the Donald was positively impressed with Mamdani the 2 times they meant, he was evidently a refreshing change from the freaks and monsters like Hegseth, Epstein best bud Howard Lutnik, surgery Frankenstein Laura Loomer, etc. And he praised “righteous dissent” in his speech for the Holiday!! How dare he!! But LAS always sings a song of despair contra anything remotely “Left”. How dare that Statue of Liberty poem praise succor for “your tired and poor,” Fascist thugs are far cooler in his world. But hey, the Donald’s temporarily supporting (though its futile) the failed War on Russia, something to be proud of I guess, to him.
cc, thank you for excellent insights and on topic comments, in contrast. Yes, Ellison believes in Pre-Crime surveillance and we all know US for decades has surpassed all other countries in mass incarceration per capita, even over S. Africa when it was still Boer-White Supremacist, Apartheid, more than N. Korea, more than China, more than you name it. “Let freedumb ring”, jailing people is good for the economy, and keeps wages low.
spud, great long post as well, I believe you. Soon, especially if you are black or brown or gay or “offensive” to certain betters, you could be arrested merely for hocking a loogie onto the roadside, or just for being homeless.
I’m celebrating today by not participating in ANY Jingoist Bombast, as the saying goes, Patriotism is the first refuge of a Scoundrel. This morning I read a nice Harper’s piece from last year on a (then) new translation of Marx’s Das Kapital, learned a bit that was useful. His formula M-C-M, Money creates Capital (via Labor, underpaid) creates more Money. Cloth becomes a suit, a trade is made, and both sides to a point benefit. (Not if you’re making “deals” with the God-Emperor though, then you only lose.)
About to go in a different way and read Chomsky’s Sobre El Anarquismo, bought some Spanish language books at the shop Alla (Over there, not Aqui, here) in Santa Fe. It’ll be more interesting to read in Spanish. Academic Spanish is clear and easy on a level with reading English, for me at least. Had more difficulty with Juan Jose Arregla’s La feria, very hifalutin’ language, I would compare it with reading an essay by Will Self, one of those people who brandishes really obscure terms, need your browser open for assistance. Instead of just saying “flecha” for an Arrow (the English name Fletcher comes from arrow-makers) he’ll use something arcane for its sonorant sublime sound, or whatever.
A recommendation that is very timely for today: Stanford University’s “Philosophy Talk” did a nearly one-hour segment on dishonest political rhetoric, spliced together Nixon, “The American people need to know if their President is a Crook! I am not a crook!”, Richard M. Nixon, to Bill, “I did not have Sex with that woman!” to the Donald, “they’re eating cats, they’re eating dogs,” etc. Interview with the author of a new book called The Honesty Crisis, cheating via AI etc. The author did say the Trumpie’s are speaking more honestly than say, the Biden Crew– Department of War!! not “defense,” bullshit, when was last time continental US was invaded? White Christian Fundamentalists can sue their schools for not State-teaching religious malarkey, or women for not serving and fucking them, Male Supremacy reigns supreme. (I’m only being a bit hyperbolic, listen to the podcast.) “500 immigrant Caravan members are wearing suicide vests”, claim the RePugs, yet somehow never a single death registered.)
We live in a time when the morals have declined, per Taoism. There is no justice, there is only State Force, Leviathan. Thus Mass Surveillance is needed, can’t have people thinking for themselves and acting for their own benefit (a central point from Marx), in USA you need the Zionists, Corporations and Financial Masters of the Universe to spy on and limit your choices. Slave morality, slave society, suck it up, suckers!
Egoculexegonos
Cameras are starting to be not even that necessary anymore in a world in which if sth is free, you are the product. 1984’s panopticon screens weren’t realistic back in time as you would need immense quantities of vigilant agents but now big data harvesting and analysing coupled with minority report-like predictive AI are creating a hold-all synaptic environment which makes things for them easier and more expeditious. In righteould You-rope they’re also implementing new fast lane legislation ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T8fMhDQS08 ) and surrealistically draconian “sanctions” (not even judicially sanctioned ones) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD8SDssOLAs ).
cc
Doorbell cameras are also part of the problem. As we saw from the Nancy Guthrie’s mother kidnapping case, the device was continuously sending video back to Google’s servers even though they weren’t paying the subscription – and the FBI was able to access that even after 10 days.
However, video cameras are really only the smaller surface-visible part of the much larger, massive bulk of the surveillance iceberg under the surface.
Ian alluded to cellular phone location tracking. Then there’s all the software tracking and recording of our personal communications and behaviours on our smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and PCs.
A Thomas Neuburger post from today that relates well to the title of Ian’s piece:
80% of VPNs Make False Claims About Anonymity, Tracking and Security
https://neuburger.substack.com/p/80-of-vpns-make-false-claims-about
And in February, Kevin Walmsley showed how most of the security software that’s on everyone’s devices/networks has close ties to Israeli-US security agencies
https://kdwalmsley.substack.com/p/china-bans-security-software-from-3aa
The video is not transcribed but is only 4 1/2 minutes long, and you can jump to 2:10 if you only want to see the specific part about the Israeli connections.
So in many ways, we are living in a fishbowl already, but just not really aware of the full extent yet.
In Gaza, Israel has used AI with their surveillance data on individual Palestinians to determine which houses to bomb and when (as in when the whole family is home so they can all be eliminated and/or horribly burned/crushed/maimed together.)
What data and AI was used by ICE to round up Muslims, Latinos, and other insufficiently-European or insufficiently-pro-Zionist people?
mago
The Business was the term used by those in the business, just to clarify in case clarification is needed for anyone who otherwise wouldn’t give a good goddamn.
TM
London has been hyper surveilled for decades now, and yet police solve rates have cratered. I see no evidence for expanding the use of these tools other than their utility in shutting down dissent and persecuting protesters after the fact. It is a disciplining action and a hedge against the growing democratic illegitimacy of our failing state.
Egoculexegonos
I distinctly remember a conversation with a friend back in 2011 or 2012. We were in a big demonstration and we started to talk about how police/authorities estimations of the numbers of attendants to demonstratios were always significantly lower than the ones released by the organizers of the events. He mentioned the technology to accurately measure the dynamic number of assistants already existed. It was probably being used but not made public. It was just more convenient pretending not knowing accurate numbers. When an event is more “neutral” discrepancies in numbers usually don’t show up or are minimal.
Facial recognition was already around back then, too. I also remember coming across huge resolution pictures of demonstrations taken ad hoc and comprising hundreds of perfectly analyzable faces. If it was that easy then it’s even easier now.
Cc mentions smart TVs. I remember about 12 years ago one hot summer night sleeping in the dining room (a cooler place) when I got awaken by the TV switching on, seemingly to update its software. Got puzzled at the beginning, I even thought of ghosts or MIBs for the first bewildering seconds, lol, but a piece of thick paper is covering its camera lens since then. Not much difference, I know, but I guess every little bit helps.
spud
tm, at least its this way in the U.S.A.,
Law enforcement now seizes more property from citizens than burglars, with U.S. law enforcement taking in over $5 billion through asset forfeiture in 2014, compared to $3.5 billion lost to burglary.
illinoispolicy.org
Comparison of Property Seizures
Law Enforcement vs. Criminals
Entity Amount Seized/Lost (2014)
Law Enforcement Over $5 billion
Criminals (Burglary) $3.5 billion
In 2014, U.S. law enforcement agencies seized more property from citizens through asset forfeiture than was lost to burglary. Law enforcement took in over $5 billion, while criminals stole approximately $3.5 billion through burglary. This indicates that, at least in that year, law enforcement’s asset seizures exceeded the financial losses incurred by citizens due to criminal activity.
illinoispolicy.org
Asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property believed to be connected to criminal activity, often without requiring a criminal conviction. This practice raises significant legal concerns regarding property rights and due process, as individuals can lose their assets based solely on suspicion rather than proven wrongdoing.
zacharymccreadylaw.com ebsco.com
Asset forfeiture often disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, leading to significant financial and social consequences for individuals who may not be involved in criminal activity. Many innocent property owners face challenges in reclaiming their seized assets, as the burden of proof typically lies with them, making the process costly and complex.
standtogether.org reason.org
In 2014, U.S. law enforcement seized more than $5 billion from the public through asset forfeiture, which was greater than the $3.5 billion lost to burglary that year. This indicates that law enforcement now seizes more property from citizens than burglars do.
illinoispolicy.org
Police agencies’ poor crime-solving performance is often linked to outdated, reactive models that emphasize arrests over prevention and community engagement. Rising budgets have not translated into higher clearance rates, with many departments solving far fewer crimes than decades ago despite increased funding.
cjcj.org Arizona State University
Overview of Police Crime-Solving Skills
Police agencies are facing significant challenges in effectively solving crimes. Despite increased funding, many departments are experiencing a decline in their crime-solving performance.
Key Issues Contributing to Poor Crime-Solving
Outdated Models: Many police departments rely on reactive models that prioritize arrests over proactive community engagement and crime prevention strategies.
Budget Inefficiency: Rising budgets have not led to improved crime-solving rates. In fact, many departments are solving far fewer crimes than they did in previous decades, despite having more resources.
Focus on Arrests: The emphasis on making arrests can detract from efforts to engage with the community and address the root causes of crime.
Impact of Community Engagement
Community Policing: Effective community policing strategies can lead to better crime-solving outcomes. These approaches emphasize collaboration with community members to identify and solve problems together.
Problem-Solving Capacity: Police agencies that integrate problem-solving techniques and community involvement tend to see improvements in crime reduction and community trust.
Conclusion
The current state of police crime-solving skills highlights the need for a shift towards more proactive, community-focused strategies. By moving away from outdated models and fostering community partnerships, police departments can enhance their effectiveness in addressing crime.
policechiefmagazine.org cjcj.org
Rising law enforcement inefficiency and understaffing are key factors contributing to poor crime-solving skills, as police departments are spending more money but solving fewer crimes. Additionally, many investigators are overworked, which hampers their effectiveness in clearing cases.
cjcj.org soundthinking.com
Community engagement strategies improve police crime-solving effectiveness by fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents, which leads to better information sharing and cooperation. This collaborative approach enhances the implementation of proven crime reduction strategies and helps build a sense of community ownership over public safety.
theiacp.org americanprogress.org
Alternative models for enhancing police crime-solving performance include implementing civilian review boards and independent monitors, which provide external oversight and can improve public trust in the complaint process. Additionally, focusing on problem-oriented policing and enhancing data analysis capabilities within police departments can also lead to better crime-solving outcomes.
usccr.gov Arizona State University
Qualified immunity has shielded police officers from accountability, allowing them to engage in misconduct without fear of consequences. This has contributed to a culture where some officers may act with excessive force and disregard for the public, leading to a decline in trust between law enforcement and communities.
naacpldf.org Cato Institute
Impact of Qualified Immunity on Police Behavior
Qualified immunity has significantly affected police conduct, leading to a culture of impunity among some officers. This legal doctrine allows law enforcement to avoid accountability for misconduct, which can result in excessive force and a lack of respect for community members.
Consequences of Qualified Immunity
Lack of Accountability: Officers often engage in misconduct without fear of repercussions, as qualified immunity shields them from lawsuits unless a nearly identical case has been previously established.
Excessive Force: The doctrine has been criticized for enabling police to use excessive force, as courts frequently side with officers in cases involving allegations of brutality.
Erosion of Trust: The perception that police can act with impunity has led to a decline in public trust. Many community members feel disrespected and treated with contempt, further straining police-community relations.
Examples of Misconduct
Incident Type Description
Excessive Force Officers may use violence in situations where it is unnecessary, leading to serious injuries.
Arbitrary Arrests Individuals may be arrested for perceived disrespect towards officers, known as “contempt of cop.”
Disregard for Vulnerable Individuals Cases where officers have harmed individuals in distress, such as during mental health crises.
Cultural Implications
The culture fostered by qualified immunity can lead to a mindset among some officers that their authority is unchallengeable. This “occupational arrogance” can manifest in aggressive policing tactics and a lack of empathy towards the communities they serve.
Overall, the implications of qualified immunity extend beyond individual cases, affecting the broader relationship between law enforcement and the public.
Wikipedia Cato Institute
Qualified immunity often protects police officers from being held accountable for misconduct, making it difficult for victims to pursue justice. This lack of accountability can lead to a decline in public trust and allows problematic officers to remain on the force.
gregpeacocklaw.com naacpldf.org
Qualified immunity undermines community trust in law enforcement by allowing police officers to evade accountability for misconduct, which can lead to a perception that bad behavior is tolerated within police departments. This lack of accountability can erode public confidence and trust in law enforcement agencies.
Cato Institute naacpldf.org
Some alternatives to qualified immunity for police accountability include state-level civil rights causes of action that allow plaintiffs to sue officers without federal qualified immunity defenses. Additionally, some states have enacted laws that explicitly limit or modify the protections offered by qualified immunity, enhancing accountability for law enforcement.
Police1 naacpldf.org
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/02/19/qualified-immunity-is-burning-a-hole-in-the-constitution-00083569
Qualified Immunity Is Burning a Hole in the Constitution
Police officers’ go-to defense against civil suits allows them to violate the Constitution with impunity.
Welcome to the upside-down world of qualified immunity.
…
Mark Level
TM, good comment;
Where I live, the policing is almost non-existent. The cops are lazy, most are as fat as US cops are known to be. Anyway just one anecdote on policing here in Northern New Mexico. I heard about this from 3 different fans as it happened before I moved here.
There was an old dude, not too healthy, in his 80s going to his car, keys in hand. A young thug saw him, wanted to steal the car. Walked up to him, could’ve knocked him down with one punch, but instead shot him in the face, dead obviously, ran off with the car.
5 people nearby called 911 immediately, no cops showed up, ever. Nor was the killer arrested, he probably fled out of the State. I guess the old man didn’t rank, if he had been a notable member of the community, in the Chamber of Commerce or a politician, there would’ve been an effort.
None made. In the memory hole. And my impression of UK, the Policing Mechanism is just about suppressing Leftism, supporting Zionist slaughter and the former Empire’s idiotic fantasies like invading and taking over Russia. Oh, & protecting Epstein Class people like Lord Peter Mandelson. Even though the Prince went too far, now un-princed.
Mark Level
Friends not fans. Sometimes the fingers change the intended message.
mago
The angle of the dangle is equal to the heat of the meat
Karp about it give the Thiel a feel, he likes the goose while spying on you not that your online masturbatory tendencies turn anyone on, but maybe
You can be sure you’re watched and tracked so cover the screen unless you get off on that kind of thing and you might get paid, but for sure you’re gonna pay one way or the other.
Maybe keep it in your pants.
It’s always a debate. Should I submit or desist?
It doesn’t matter either way
Everybody’s wandering and nobody knows or cares
so here we go again. . . lost and confused
speaking for myself on this great not so great American holiday.
Our foreskinned forefathers never could have foreseen the mess we’re in today, not from lack of trying.
It’s a fine mess you’ve got us into Ollie.
Dickled and pickled in the ferment
can there be no peace?
Light a candle kindle light and stick a firecracker where the sun don’t shine
save me from myself
Purple Library Guy
@Mark Level In parts of the US it is already illegal to be homeless; the Supremes ruled two years ago that it was OK to pass laws making it so, and a number of states and municipalities have jumped on this permission.