Q&A
Community concerns about non-transparent use of surveillance tools
1:35:02
·
98 sec
Council Member Gutiérrez expresses community concerns about the non-transparent use of surveillance tools and the potential risks to vulnerable populations. Deputy Commissioner Gerber responds to these concerns.
- Gutiérrez highlights fears in her district about data transfer to agencies like ICE
- She emphasizes the lack of transparency in the use of surveillance tools and collection of biometric information
- Gerber assures that NYPD follows the law and is engaged in productive dialogue with critics
- NYPD is working towards changes to the POST Act to address concerns while maintaining public safety capabilities
- The exchange underscores the tension between law enforcement needs and community trust
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:35:02
I understand.
1:35:03
I just I just wanna make clear that the the non transparent use of some of these tools is what makes some of our what makes our communities really come out fear because of the way because of the relationship that PD has had with vulnerable and disenfranchised folks in our communities.
1:35:27
And so I understand where your limit is, but oftentimes the the overuse of these tools in a way that was not transparent, in a way that is often you know, oftentimes New Yorkers aren't even made aware that their biometric information is being captured.
1:35:41
And so the risk of that being caught up in something that didn't concern them is is a legitimate fear for so many.
1:35:47
So I I understand what you're saying, but it's not gonna stop communities from really pushing you all as an agency on the relevancy and the use of these tools because it puts a lot of people at risk.
Michael Gerber
1:35:57
Totally understood.
1:35:58
And I just wanna emphasize again, one, that we're gonna follow the law.
1:36:02
Second, you know, as I mentioned in my opening testimony, we actually have been in a very productive dialogue with, some of our biggest critics, actually, in this space, really to understand better kind of their concerns, for them to hear from us as well, really with the goal of addressing some of what you're talking about and working towards changes to the post act that again are going to, I think, address concerns that have been raised by the council, that have been raised by advocacy groups, while also not undermining our ability to use these tools for public safety.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:36:41
I'm just going ask one more question, cheers, and then I'll pass it back.