LASD and Persistent Surveillance Systems
| Submitted | Nov. 6, 2014 |
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Communications
From: Ryan Swanzey
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California's Sunshine Amendment (Cal. Const. Art. I, ยง 3(b)), I hereby request the following records:
Documentation concerning communication and contracts between the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and Persistent Surveillance Systems.
As reported in the LA Times April 24th, the city of Compton was monitored for nine days in 2012 using Persistent Surveillance Systems. The article notes that the system was capable of 10,000 times the aerial coverage of a single police helicopter.
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. Citizens have a right to know how and why they are being monitored. Transparency on the behalf of law enforcement regarding aerial surveillance may cool tempers and contribute to a more complete discussion of the balance of privacy and public safety.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Ryan Swanzey
From: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
A letter stating the requester must agree to or prepay assessed or estimated fees in order for the agency to continue processing the request.
From: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
A cover letter granting the request and outlining any exempted materials, if any.
From: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
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