Revealed: LAPD officers told to collect social media data on every civilian they stop

[Jilly_in_VA]

The Los Angeles police department (LAPD) has directed its officers to collect the social media information of every civilian they interview, including individuals who are not arrested or accused of a crime, according to records shared with the Guardian.

Copies of the “field interview cards” that police complete when they question civilians reveal that LAPD officers are instructed to record a civilian’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts, alongside basic biographical information. An internal memo further shows that the police chief, Michel Moore, told employees that it was critical to collect the data for use in “investigations, arrests, and prosecutions”, and warned that supervisors would review cards to ensure they were complete.

The documents, which were obtained by the not-for-profit organization the Brennan Center for Justice, have raised concerns about civil liberties and the potential for mass surveillance of civilians without justification.

“There are real dangers about police having all of this social media identifying information at their fingertips,” said Rachel Levinson-Waldman, a deputy director at the Brennan Center, noting that the information was probably stored in a database that could be used for a wide range of purposes.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/08/revealed-los-angeles-police-officers-gathering-social-media
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The real Gestapo is in L.A., not in D.C.

[luv2fly]

1. Yet one more reason to not be on social media

Like people need more reasons to abandon Facebook, but here's another one.

[lagomorph777]

3. I'd be in trouble. I've never had any of those things.

They'd never believe me.

[housecat]

12. The closest I've been to any social media is when DU has a twitter link, and I'm not comfortable

with any connection no matter how small

[lagomorph777]

22. same here

[Mr.Bill]

6. What do you think this is? n/t

[luv2fly]

9. Some days I wonder n/t

[lagomorph777]

23. This is not run by corrupt Trumpsters; it's moderated, and it has no "algorithm" to speak of.

Not the same thing at all.

[Sherman A1]

10. So folks should change what they do on the internet because of some draconian policy

By the LAPD? Perhaps we should not be on this site as well or do you believe that would be okay with law enforcement?

[luv2fly]

14. The policy is draconian no doubt

As to how you wish to manage your social media, you just do you.

[Sherman A1]

15. And

I will offer you, your own advice.

[luv2fly]

18. Like we have an alternative

That said, people being outraged about the insurrection on January 6th yet insisting on the validity of Facebook as a means of keeping in touch with other people and ignoring the fact that Facebook was instrumental in helping the insurrectionists, well... makes no sense to me and as I've read here over time, a whole lot of others as well.

Facebook only exists because of its users. If the users are okay with supporting a platform that facilitates communication amongst insurrectionists, anti-vaxxers and others like them, well that's just something they have to live with. And as far as Facebook goes, that's only the tip of the iceberg with respect to their despicable behavior.

Willful ignorance just befuddles me.

[Sherman A1]

19. Are you okay with using the internet?

As it also is a platform that facilitates communications amongst insurrectionists.

"Willful ignorance just befuddles me." Most particularly the sanctimonious type.

[luv2fly]

20. Equating the internet as a whole with Facebook is ridiculous n/t

[Throck]

2. Horsecrap!

LAPD is just looking for leads on porn sites.

[hurple]

4. So, how exactly would this work?

"Excuse me, sir, I need your license, registration and URLs for all your social media accounts."

I mean, I knew a girl in HS who had a very unique name and decided to try to find her in FB one night... christ almighty it was nearly impossible with all tha crap results that got returned

And what officer has the time to mess with all that?

I mean, for a serious investigation, sure, take the time. Tons of criminals are stupid enough to Chronicle their crimes on social media... but for *everything*? For a traffic stop? Really?

[woodsprite]

8. They probably intend to use the passwords to access their accounts. nt

[ZonkerHarris]

24. they don't want your passwords. They want to ID everyone's accounts to investigate them if necc.

[brush]

5. I don't think one has to give out that info. DU legal experts...

pls advise. Driver's license and insurance card are the only mandatory info, right?

[IcyPeas]

7. so they want your passwords for these sites??

[Whatthe_Firetruck]

11. Wouldn't that be...

...unreasonable search and seizure? Excuse me, officer? Can I see the search warrant?

[2naSalit]

13. That's what I think is the...

Correct response. Not that it won't get you a flashlight across your teeth but it's the correct response.

[aeromanKC]

16. 1st and 4th Amendment Auditors need to flood the LA area!!

I love watching these videoes on Youtube and watching the Cops go nuts when their illegal demands are refused. These rogue cops are the biggest snowflakes.

[bucolic_frolic]

17. Interactions with the State are used as surveillance opportunities

I can't email my state, or visit a legislator's office, or call them but they want name, address, phone.

[crickets]

21. Dear LAPD:

Collect all of the social media data on every cop on your payroll first. Let us know when the housecleaning's done.

[ZonkerHarris]

25. "I decline to respond."