Surveillance
Robot police dogs are on patrol, but who’s holding the leash?
Numerous cities have acquired dog-like robots for policing. Researchers say the lack of transparency is worrying.
Why Dayton quit ShotSpotter, a surveillance tool many cities still embrace
Police across the country face increased pressure to drop the controversial technology as researchers and activists question its effectiveness.
How a data ecosystem can quell the opioid crisis
A data infrastructure that tracks drug use trends and drug market activity can inform policy and program decisions aimed at curbing the opioid crisis.
How video evidence is presented in court can hold sway in cases like the beating death of Tyre Nichols
Video surveillance footage may help courts better judge past events, but viewers can still be influenced by their own biases and even the way video is presented, an expert says.
Chinese spy balloon over the US: An aerospace expert explains how the balloons work and what they can see
An expert explains the capabilities and implications of surveillance technology such as the Chinese spy balloon recently shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4.
Transit agency pilots gun detection tech
Philadelphia’s SEPTA will test an AI-based video analytics solution that aims to reduce gun-related violence on train platforms.
What is Fog Reveal? A legal scholar explains the app some police forces are using to track people without a warrant
Law enforcement use of Fog Reveal puts a spotlight on that loophole between U.S. data privacy law and electronic surveillance law.
Surveillance is pervasive: Yes, you are being watched, even if no one is looking for you
It’s important to recognize how physical and digital tracking work together.
Lawmaker questions community doorbell surveillance
Sen. Edward J. Markey wants more information on “invasive data collection and problematic engagement with police departments” of Amazon’s subsidiary, Ring.
Colorado moves toward statewide coverage of wastewater surveillance
As the state expands wastewater surveillance and testing to cover 47 utilities serving 60% of Colorado's population, residents can review results on a public dashboard.
Featured eBooks
Health officials see bright future in poop surveillance
Using wastewater surveillance data, academics, private companies, public health departments and sewage plant operators are trying to track infectious diseases beyond COVID-19.
Virginia expands sewage surveillance for COVID
To better spot infections before cases spike, the Virginia Department of Health’s wastewater surveillance testing program will start receiving data weekly from 25 sites selected based on geographical location and population-testing rates.
Police ties to Ring home surveillance come under scrutiny
Many law enforcement agencies have been launching voluntary doorbell camera registries so they can call on homeowners' videos to expedite investigations.
High-tech surveillance amplifies police bias and overreach
The debates about reimagining existing law enforcement practices must include a discussion about police surveillance because technology cannot address the deeper issues of race, power and privacy that lie at the heart of modern-day policing.
Digital surveillance can help bring the coronavirus pandemic under control -- but also threatens privacy
The pandemic is confronting Americans with important questions about how much and what kinds of surveillance and tracking to accept in support of better health, as well as a revitalized economy.
