Report finds NYPD continues to disregard public disclosure law regarding high-tech surveillance devices

The NYPD has come under fire for failing to follow a public disclosure law when introducing new high-tech surveillance gadgets, including a robot dog and a robot deployed in the Times Square subway station, according to a new report by the city Department of Investigation.

The Police Department is required to publish an “Impact and Use Policy” detailing how it will use new surveillance devices and technology 90 days in advance, allowing for public comments. However, the NYPD instead amended existing policy documents with information about the new devices, leaving out key details required by the Post Act.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber highlighted similar findings in 2022, stating that “Individual technologies could be shielded from public scrutiny and oversight.” The report emphasized the need for transparency and public input in the use of surveillance technologies.

In response, a police spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to public safety while using technology lawfully. However, Albert Fox Cahn of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project criticized the NYPD for violating elements of the Post Act and hiding crucial data with opaque policies.

Jerome Greco of the Legal Aid Society expressed concern over New Yorkers being used as “guinea pigs” for the city’s experiments with invasive technology, calling for alternative solutions to address public safety.

The Post Act requires the NYPD to disclose information on its use of surveillance technologies, but the deployment of high-tech devices like the Knightscope K5 and DigiDog has raised concerns among residents. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement’s use of new technologies.