Recommendations

There are many things to consider before allowing local government agencies to acquire and deploy surveillance technologies. Click on the icons to explore a number of recommendations to keep in mind while weighing the costs and benefits of surveillance systems, and while crafting official surveillance policies and protocols.

Define Needs and Uses

By articulating why your community needs a new surveillance system and its acceptable uses you maximize the return from...[LEARN MORE]

Calculate Costs

Advanced surveillance equipment often carries significant long-term costs, which should be evaluated and accounted for...[LEARN MORE]

Community Engagement

Engaging the whole community in deciding whether to acquire advanced surveillance equipment helps prevent backlash and...[LEARN MORE]

Approval

Requiring agencies to get the approval of the local governing body before acquiring advanced surveillance equipment...[LEARN MORE]

Training

Effective policies and rules for use of surveillance tools must be accompanied by comprehensive training.[LEARN MORE]

Confine Use

Limiting surveillance to specified purposes protects privacy and free expression, and most efficiently uses public...[LEARN MORE]

Limit Retention

Storing surveillance data is expensive and creates risks. Strict limits should be placed on how long data is held.[LEARN MORE]

Secure & Index Data

Data you cannot find is data you cannot control or keep secure.[LEARN MORE]

Limit Sharing

Restrictions and guidelines should be in place to ensure that surveillance data is shared in a manner that adequately...[LEARN MORE]

Audit

Routine audits of surveillance systems must be employed to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness and to facilitate...[LEARN MORE]

Enforcement

Effective policies for use of surveillance tools must be accompanied by comprehensive mechanisms for identifying...[LEARN MORE]

Report Back

Government agencies should be transparent about how they use surveillance technology and its effectiveness.[LEARN MORE]