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The Knoxville News-Sentinel The Knoxville News-Sentinel
What are Flock cameras? Why the devices are sparking debate in Knox County

What are Flock cameras? Why the devices are sparking debate in Knox County

The national debate over Flock cameras has reached Knox County, where officials are questioning the sheriff's planned rollout of the surveillance technology and its implications for privacy and public safety.
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Senator Gary Peters Demands ICE Explain Purchase of Spyware Capable of Phone Control

Senator Gary Peters Demands ICE Explain Purchase of Spyware Capable of Phone Control

Senator Gary Peters, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is seeking answers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding its purchase of commercial spyware known as Graphite. This software, developed by Paragon Solutions and now owned by REDLattice, is capable of covertly taking control of phones and collecting personal data such as messages, photographs, and location information. Peters has raised concerns about the potential civil liberties implications and national security risks associated with this purchase. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Peters questioned the $2 million sole-source purchase and requested detailed information about the software's use, oversight, and security measures.
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Senator Gary Peters Demands ICE Justification for Spyware Purchase Amid Civil Liberties Concerns

Senator Gary Peters Demands ICE Justification for Spyware Purchase Amid Civil Liberties Concerns

Senator Gary Peters, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to explain its acquisition of a commercial spyware tool known as Graphite. This software, developed by Paragon Solutions and now owned by REDLattice, is capable of covertly taking control of phones and collecting personal data such as messages, photographs, and location information. Peters has raised concerns about the potential misuse of this technology, citing reports of its use against journalists and civil society members in various countries. He has requested detailed information from ICE regarding the deployment of Graphite, including the number of individuals targeted and the legal authority for its use. Peters' inquiry also seeks to understand whether the data collected has been shared with other entities.
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Congressman Biggs Leads Bipartisan Effort for Emergency Funding in Colorado River Basin

Congressman Biggs Leads Bipartisan Effort for Emergency Funding in Colorado River Basin

Congressman Andy Biggs, representing Arizona's 5th district, is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to secure emergency funding for the Colorado River Basin. This effort is in response to the critical water shortages affecting the region due to prolonged drought conditions. Biggs, along with Congresswoman Dina Titus and other representatives, has urged U.S. House leadership to allocate funds for water infrastructure improvements and long-term planning. The Colorado River is a crucial water source for approximately one in ten Americans and supports significant agricultural and energy needs. The initiative highlights the importance of federal support, referencing past successful drought mitigation efforts for Lakes Powell and Mead.
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Central Florida Sheriff Suspends Flock Cameras Amid Detective Misconduct Scandal

Central Florida Sheriff Suspends Flock Cameras Amid Detective Misconduct Scandal

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the use of Flock cameras following the arrest of Detective Brandy Almany. Almany is accused of improperly accessing law enforcement databases for personal reasons, specifically to monitor an individual connected to her husband. The internal audit revealed unauthorized use of systems like the Comprehensive Case Information System and the Flock Automated License Plate Recognition. Almany has been charged with official misconduct and offenses against computer users, leading to her termination.
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Denver and Douglas County Replace Flock with Axon Amid Surveillance Concerns

Denver and Douglas County Replace Flock with Axon Amid Surveillance Concerns

Denver and Douglas County have replaced Flock Safety with Axon for their surveillance needs due to concerns over data privacy and security. Denver's contract with Flock expired amid controversy over data-sharing practices, leading to a new agreement with Axon for automated license plate reader cameras. Douglas County followed suit, signing a $22.8 million contract with Axon, which includes a countywide drone network. The decision reflects ongoing debates about balancing privacy rights with public safety. Axon's system offers enhanced oversight and data retention policies, addressing some of the concerns raised with Flock.
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Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Secures $975K for Hillsborough Police Radio System Upgrade

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Secures $975K for Hillsborough Police Radio System Upgrade

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) has successfully secured $975,000 in federal funding to upgrade the public safety communications system in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey. This funding is part of 18 projects included in the House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. The project aims to modernize and replace outdated portable radio communications equipment used by the Hillsborough Township Police Department. The upgrade will include the procurement and deployment of 75 all-band portable radios with interoperability, Wi-Fi connectivity, and LTE capabilities. Kean emphasized the importance of bringing federal funding back to New Jersey to ensure a strong return on the tax dollars sent to Washington.
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Flock Cameras Spark Surveillance Debate in South Carolina Town

Flock Cameras Spark Surveillance Debate in South Carolina Town

The city council of Irmo, South Carolina, has voted to install 22 new Flock cameras, increasing the total to 33, despite public opposition. These cameras, which are license plate readers, have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for a surveillance state. Residents voiced their concerns at a city council meeting, highlighting issues such as data security and false arrests linked to Flock's AI system. The police chief defended the cameras, citing their role in crime prevention. The decision reflects a broader national debate on the use of surveillance technology in communities.
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Congresswoman Boebert Criticizes Government Surveillance Practices

Congresswoman Boebert Criticizes Government Surveillance Practices

Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has voiced concerns over government surveillance practices, advocating for stricter privacy protections. Boebert, who was subject to an FBI investigation following the January 6 Capitol events, argues that the government should require probable cause and a warrant to surveil citizens. She is co-sponsoring the Surveillance Accountability Act, which aims to restrict federal agencies from conducting searches or using biometric tracking without judicial approval. The bill also seeks to prevent the government from purchasing data from third parties to bypass warrant requirements.
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House Votes to Extend Government Funding to Prevent Election Year Shutdown

House Votes to Extend Government Funding to Prevent Election Year Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 220 to 205 to extend government funding at existing levels through December 4, aiming to prevent a government shutdown just before the midterm elections. The vote saw six Democrats join Republicans in advancing the bill. The decision comes amid tensions over President Trump's election overhaul bill, the SAVE America Act, which has been a point of contention among lawmakers. Democratic leaders have criticized the funding extension for not addressing issues such as funding for immigration enforcement. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will require bipartisan support to pass.
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Connecticut Towns Remove License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Connecticut Towns Remove License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

The towns of Windsor and Killingworth in Connecticut have decided to remove their license plate cameras due to privacy concerns. Windsor's town council voted to discontinue the use of cameras made by Flock Safety, following a year-long debate and significant public opposition. Residents and council members expressed concerns over data privacy and the potential misuse of information by external agencies. The decision was influenced by reports of out-of-state police accessing Connecticut's license plate data for immigration enforcement. Despite the cameras' effectiveness in aiding law enforcement, the towns prioritized privacy and data security. Killingworth followed suit, citing similar concerns and the limited utility of the cameras in their community.
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Congress Faces Tight Deadline to Avoid Government Shutdown Amid August Recess

Congress Faces Tight Deadline to Avoid Government Shutdown Amid August Recess

President Trump has indicated that the U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown as current funding is set to expire on September 30. The House of Representatives recently passed a stopgap funding resolution intended to keep the government operational until early December. However, the Senate has yet to approve this measure, and both chambers are about to enter their August recess, significantly reducing the time available to finalize a budget. The House will be in recess from July 23 to August 31, and the Senate from August 7 to September 14. This leaves only 11 days when both chambers will be in session simultaneously before the funding deadline. The situation is reminiscent of the previous year's 43-day government shutdown, which caused significant disruptions, particularly in the Department of Homeland Security.