Cops Warned to Look for 'Suspicious Behavior' from People Opposing Flock

A federal intelligence center warned police that city council meetings about Flock “may be viewed by extremists as a desirable target,” and told them to be on the lookout for “emotional confrontations” between people who oppose surveillance and government officials, according to a copy of the warning obtained by 404 Media.

The warning, obtained by 404 Media, was issued by the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC)—a government fusion center—in July to police in California. 404 Media recently obtained the bulletin using a Freedom of Information Act request.

This surveillance bulletin to cops is the latest evidence that police around the country have been told to be on edge during public meetings where people are participating in democracy and utilizing their First Amendment rights about unpopular things the government is doing. We have reported on a spate of people being illegally arrested for extremely minor procedural violations or for cursing at city council meetings about Flock and data centers while participating in constitutionally protected activities.

The warning is similar to others obtained by 404 Media and other journalists about the broader DeFlock movement and vandalism of Flock surveillance cameras. But this warning specifically tells police that there have been “no specific and credible threats found” related to city council meetings about Flock, but warns they should be on the lookout anyway. The warning noted that anti surveillance organizers could have been emboldened by the news that the Los Angeles Police Department ended its Flock contract, and may expect other local governments to do the same. The LAPD’s decision was “providing organizers and participants with a high-profile local example that could increase turnout and place additional public pressure on City Council members” to end their Flock contracts, the bulletin claims.

“City-hosted events (i.e., city council meetings) may be viewed by extremists as a desirable target. Partners are encouraged to review for signs of suspicious activity,” the warning reads. This suspicious activity includes “excessive clothing,” “unusual questions or behavior,” people loitering,” or “unattended bags or packages.”

The warning goes on to say that genuine interest in ending mass surveillance at a city council meeting “may present public safety risks,” which includes “large turnout exceeding room capacity,” “emotional confrontations,” counterdemonstrations,” “media presence,” “social media amplification,” and “disruption of council proceedings.”

Here is a full excerpt of the portion of the warning about protected activities that could apparently “present public safety risks:”

We have seen numerous people illegally arrested around the country for speaking slightly too long, talking out of turn, or for cursing at city council members, none of which are illegal activities.

“The OCIAC recognizes that Americans have constitutionally protected rights to assemble, speak, and petition the government,” the warning ends. “The OCIAC safeguards these rights and only reports on First Amendment protected activities for operational planning in the interest of assuring the safety and security of the demonstrators and the public.”