On July 5th, the new Santa Cruz Police Department policy on spying went into effect. Under the new rules, even if you are engaged in constitutionally protected first amendment activities, Santa Cruz police will still be able to videotape you inside or outside of your home, audio record you, listen to your phone calls, look at the mail you are receiving, read your email, make notes about your organization, tail you, monitor your website, subscribe to your email lists, and examine your membership lists.

The city has fallen down on its promise to pass a policy providing protections for our first amendment rights. They resisted. They were dragged kicking and screaming to the issue. They stonewalled. They sidelined the ACLU. They lied. Then they told us they'd done their job and that everything was okay.

Working within the system is not working.

Nothing less than our First Amendment rights to free expression and right to privacy are at risk here. We will never accept police spying on our political and community groups and activities. Read more

A parade and protest of the new policy took place on July 5th starting with a press conference at the Santa Cruz police station. Read more and view photos

Audio: SCPD Surveillance Policy Takes Effect

see also: Reportback of Santa Cruz Police Spying Policy Process || Original Draft Proposal (pdf) || Spying Scandal Speak Out || June 27th Letter by Mark Schlosberg of the Northern California ACLU to City Manager Dick Wilson and the City Council (pdf)

previous coverage of Santa Cruz police spying: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7