Marc Pfeiffer, writing for ICMA.org on February 1, 2025, delves into the use of surveillance technology by municipalities. He defines surveillance technology through Claude.ai as "devices, systems, or software that are used to monitor, track, and collect information on people, places, or things."
Pfeiffer outlines various common uses of surveillance technologies in municipal settings. These include body-worn cameras for law enforcement and sometimes firefighters; security cameras in public buildings and outdoor facilities; mobile video cameras and GPS trackers in public safety vehicles; traffic and right-of-way cameras; drones with video capabilities for various departments; recordings from emergency lines; private video recordings used in investigations; multi-purpose data collection sensors in public spaces; AI facial or voice recognition applications; commercial AI databases for identifying individuals involved in illegal activities; and software monitoring employee work activities.
Pfeiffer emphasizes the importance of understanding how these technologies are used within organizations as a form of risk management. He suggests creating a comprehensive inventory of surveillance tech usage to better manage potential issues. This includes knowing what data is collected, who maintains it, access control measures, storage practices, and associated costs.
The article advises municipalities to have clear policies regarding the use of surveillance technology. Such policies can help mitigate risks related to false positives from AI-driven facial recognition software which may lead to significant liability issues. Pfeiffer stresses the need for "human-in-the-loop" confirmation practices when AI-driven decisions are made.
Pfeiffer also highlights the importance of reviewing data storage and management procedures to ensure compliance with state laws while considering discretionary local options. Municipalities should weigh the financial, societal, and reputational costs against the benefits of using such technologies.
Regarding drone-collected data, Pfeiffer notes that agencies should adopt retention rules based on context and content if no state policies exist. Privacy concerns should be considered when releasing drone data publicly. Ensuring secure transmission and storage methods is crucial for maintaining confidentiality.
Governments can refer to resources like the CISA drone privacy guide for guidance on evolving practices related to drone data protection.
